Important information for 'rooming in'

When babies are admitted to the neonatal unit (NICU), it is inevitable that they are separated from their parents. This is never easy and so some accommodation is provided for parents within the hospital and in flats located next to the hospital.

'Rooming-in' is where a mother (and partner) who does not require medical care herself, stays in the hospital. The Liverpool Women's Hospital provides 2 such rooms on the unit, they are usually reserved for parents of critically ill babies, mothers who are breastfeeding or those preparing for discharge home. When 'rooming in' in preparation for discharge, parents are asked not to leave their baby unattended at any time. A baby should be taken to the nursery if his parent needs to leave the unit. Visiting guidelines in this accommodation are the same as in the nurseries;

The baby's nurse will discuss with the parents when it is appropriate to stay in hospital. Because of the demand for accommodation on the NICU, stays are usually restricted (except for the parents of ill babies).

Accommodation is limited. We need to prioritise and make sure we have room for parents whose baby needs them most. It is possible that you will be asked to vacate the accommodation because there is a family with a greater need to stay with their baby at that time

The rooms have access to a telephone for incoming calls and there is a call button for the nurse. Meals are not provided but food can be purchased from the hospital restaurant (ground floor) or the shops. SMOKING is not permitted. If parents are staying in the rooms they should make themselves familiar with the fire instructions.

On the day of baby's discharge, the room key must be returned to the nurse looking after the baby being discharged and the inventory must be checked.

If there are any further questions about parents' accommodation, please ask the nursing staff in the Unit.