Visiting if you are unwell

It is important for parents and family to visit their baby but infection poses a great risk to a premature or sick baby. If parents feel unwell they must enquire from the nurse looking after their baby if it is safe for them to visit. Other visitors must not call into the unit if they are unwell.

Infectious diseases - for example chickenpox, measles, mumps

With these types of diseases, a person can have the infection and go on to infect others before they show any symptoms themselves. Therefore if parents (or other visitors) have come in contact with someone who is infected, it is important that they talk to their baby's doctor about the risks this poses to themselves and their baby. The decision to allow visiting will depend upon individual circumstances.