Useful information

Facilities

There are two sitting rooms for families and their guests, one with basic kitchen facilities to make hot drinks and light meals. There is also an expressing room for mothers and toilet facilities for all visitors. There is a cafe selling hot drinks and snacks on the ground floor as well as vending machines.

 

Visiting

If your baby needs to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St Michael's Hospital, both parents have access to the unit at all times of the day. As we come out of the pandemic, our visiting is starting to re-open. In addition to the parents of the baby, 4 named visitors and the siblings of the patient can also visit between 12pm to 8pm. Due to social distancing, a maximum of 3 people can be at the cot side at any one time, and this must include at least one of the baby's parents. At times we may ask to restrict this. Please speak to staff for further details.

Car parking

There is huge demand for city centre spaces but the Trust offers a number of pay and display car parks within the wider Trust site. For families whose baby is on NICU we can offer a parking voucher, please just ask.

 

Accomodation 'Cots for Tots House'

Our dedicated charity, Cots for Tots, provides free accomodation to parents who live far away and wish to be near their baby. 'Cots for Tots House' is situated opposite the main hospital entrance and has 12 rooms, plus communal kitchen, laundry, bathroom and living areas. Availability is limited but please talk to someone on the ward for more information.

 

Breast feeding

Breast feeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby - your milk is perfect and uniquely made for your growing baby's needs. On NICU many babies are not able to have milk straight away but it is really important that, if you are planning to breastfeed, mums start to express their milk as soon as possible after delivery. There is a dedicated expressing room open 24 hours a day. We have a team of key workers whose aim is to facilitate breast feeding on the unit and can support mothers to manage the complexities and challenges faced by parents whose babies are in NICU. If you choose not to express milk and wish to formula feed, we will support this decision and provide the milk you choose (if appropriate).

 

Family support

Our part time family support nursing sister will try and introduce herself to you whilst your baby is on the unit. You may want to talk to her about how you are feeling or practical issues. In addition we have access to two qualified psychologists who can provide direct support or signpost you to further services if needed. We are also fortunate to have access to a family support worker, fully funded by The Grand Appeal. Access to the chaplaincy department can also be arranged. If you are experiencing emotional, social or financial difficulties whilst staying at the hospital a member of staff can refer you to the appropriate member of the team for support.