Neonatal Unit Virtual Tour
The Neonatal Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital cares for babies with a number of medical conditions. Some babies on the unit are born prematurely, others are born with breathing difficulties or feeding problems and some have abnormalities at birth. Whatever the problem, parents, friends and family can be assured that the Neonatal staff have met it before, have the experience to deal with it and will fully explain what is happening.
The Neonatal Unit admits approximately 350 babies each year. It has 16 cots, which are split into three areas of Intensive Care, High Dependency and Special Care. There are an additional six Transitional Care rooms within the unit for babies that are well enough to be cared for by parents who may need care such as Intravenous antibiotics. Each area is equipped and heated differently in accordance with the medical needs of its babies. The Unit cares only for babies with medical problems. Those who require surgery are transferred to a regional unit, which is usually St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, or for babies with heart conditions, Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool.
Where is the NNU?
The Neonatal Unit is part of the Trust’s Directorate of Child Health and is situated on the first floor of the Women’s Unit, next to the Children’s wards. The department of maternity is also situated in the Women’s Unit, enabling NNU staff to work closely with those who work on the delivery suite and post-natal wards in Maternity to offer the most comprehensive and professional care possible for the babies.
Visiting the NNU
Premature and sick babies are vulnerable to infection so any visitors other than parents need to be kept to a minimum. However, the unit does have open visiting for parents and siblings who can visit as often as they wish.
All other visitors to the unit can only gain access if accompanied by a known parent or guardian of the baby within the visiting hours of 13.00-14.00 hours and 18.00-19.00 hours. The doors are kept locked at all times and CCTV monitors all entrances and exits.
Facilities for Parents
The admission of a baby to the NNU can place a lot of stress upon its parents. The new purpose built unit was opened in 2010 and was designed with modern spacious facilities to ensure it is as comfortable as possible for families. The unit has a waiting room with a small children’s play area, and six modern en-suite family rooms for Transitional Care or for families to stay prior to discharge of their baby. There is also a fully equipped parents’ kitchen attached to the Neonatal Unit for parents to make drinks and snacks.
