Nurses

We have a staff of over 150 nurses within the neonatal unit with skills, which vary enormously. Many have trained as either Midwives, Registered General Nurses or Registered Children's Nurses; the 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.

Shift Patterns

Early 07.15 - 14.45    Late 13.45 - 21.15    Long Day 07.15 - 21.15    Night 21.00 - 07.30

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. Within the low dependency nursery (room 6) the registered staff are supported by clinical support workers who are all specifically trained to care for this group of babies. 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 9 Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs). These are nurses who have studied care of sick babies to a very high level and who provide comprehensive holistic care.

Babies who need to be moved to or from another hospital for intensive care/emergency surgery 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 Team of Nursing/Midwives and Support workers who support parents in taking their baby home. 

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. Babies 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.

Nurses are assisted by neonatal assistants who clean equipment after use, launder all the baby clothes and make sure that the nurseries are well stocked.