Nurses

We have a staff of over 100 nurses within the neonatal unit with skills, which vary enormously. Many have trained as either Midwives or Registered Children's Nurses; a majority hold qualifications in neonatal nursing and all are actively encouraged to be open to the new developments in the treatment of sick babies, which enable us to give the highest possible standard of care.

Nursing shifts are just over 12 hours in length:  8am - 8.30 pm for day shifts and 8pm - 8.30am for night shifts. Babies requiring Intensive care will be looked after by an experienced nurse who will, sometimes, be assisted by a nurse who is learning how to care for a very sick baby. Within the nurseries, nurses work strongly as a team to support each other, the doctors and, of course, parents and families.

The nurse looking after your baby on any given shift will introduce herself to you and be able to update you on any progress or developments. Offering support to parents and families is central to the work of a neonatal nurse. However, her first priority is the care of your baby, which may involve taking blood samples, inserting intravenous drips, giving intravenous drugs and watching him very closely so that even subtle changes can be acted upon quickly. Doctors are updated regularly by your baby's nurse and if you have any problems or need any help then she can point you in the right direction.

We also have 3 Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs). These are nurses who have studied care of sick babies to a very high level and who undertake some of the work of the doctors.

Babies who need to be moved to or from another hospital will be accompanied by a nurse from our transport team, who has experience in working the equipment needed to look after a baby on 'the move'.

Within special care we have a Community Liaison Team of 3 nursing Sisters who support parents in taking their baby home.  Help for parents is also available from the Special Care Coordinator who works Monday to Friday to plan care, support staff and act as a point of reference for any problems which arise within the special care nurseries.

In the unit there is an Education Team. These nurses work in the nurseries and they are also responsible for the ongoing education, training and development of the nurses in the unit.

Nurses are assisted by nursing auxiliaries or clinical support workers who clean equipment after use, launder all our baby clothes and make sure that the nurseries are well stocked.