The neonatal unit

The neonatal unit is based in the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. It is a specialist neonatal unit offering care and treatment to acute and chronically ill babies born locally and from outside the area. There are 44 cots providing different 'levels of care' depending on the needs of the baby. These levels are termed intensive care, high dependency care, special care and transitional care.

Intensive care: is provided for babies who have serious, life threatening problems, who are very premature (those born more than 3 months early) and or have an extremely low birth weight ( birth weight less than 1000 grams). In the neonatal unit, intensive care is provided within Blackford, Salisbury and Pentland nurseries.

High dependency care: is provided for babies without life threatening problems but who still need a great deal of observation and support and for those who are recovering from critical illness. In the neonatal unit, high dependency care is provided within Blackford, Salisbury, Pentland and Braid nurseries.

Special care: is provided for babies who have less serious problems, who do not require continuous observation and or who are stable and growing. In the neonatal unit, special care is provided within Braid, Calton and Costorphine nurseries.

Transitional care: is provided for babies who need some medical treatment but who do not need to be separated from their mothers. It is also suitable for parents and babies being prepared for discharge home.