Welcome to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) – PIL1429 Version 2

Congratulations on the birth of your baby

We know that your baby needing to come to the Special Care Baby Unit is a worrying and stressful time and in most cases is completely unexpected.

This leaflet will tell you about the unit and explain what to expect while your baby is here. If you have any further questions, our staff will be able to help you.

Will I be able to breastfeed while I am on the unit?

Breastmilk is really good for your baby and if your baby is big enough and well enough to breastfeed we will support you to do so.

However if your baby is unable to breastfeed at present we would encourage you to express your milk. This can be used as mouthcare for your baby if they’re not being fed or stored in our fridge/freezer for use when they are able to start feeds.

You can either express your milk by hand, we will give you a Hand Expression Kit, or you can use a breast pump to express at the cot side, or in a designated room. Your Nurses will be able to help you get started and show you everything that you will need.

We have a number of home loan pumps available if you need one. We do ask for a £20 deposit which is returned to you when the pump is handed back in to the unit. If you have any problems with the cost please speak to your nurse.

What is skin-to-skin contact?

Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care) is when a baby is dried and laid directly on their mother’s bare chest after birth. You are both covered in a warm blanket for as long as you wish providing your baby is stable.

Skin-to-skin contact can also take place any time a baby needs comforting or calming and to help boost a mother’s milk supply.

Skin-to-skin contact is also important in neonatal units, where it is often known as ‘kangaroo care’, helping parents to bond with their baby, as well as supporting better physical and developmental outcomes for the baby. We encourage both parents to have skin-to-skin if they would like to.

There are many benefits of skin-to-skin, here are some of the most important:

• Calms and relaxes both you and your baby

• Regulates the baby’s heart rate and breathing

• Stimulates digestion and an interest in feeding

• Regulates temperature

• Stimulates the release of hormones to support breastfeeding

Additional benefits for babies in the neonatal unit include:

• Improves oxygen saturation

• Reduces cortisol (stress) levels particularly following procedures

• Assists with growth

• If you express following a period of skin-to-skin contact, milk volume will improve and the milk expressed will contain the most up-to-date antibodies. Please talk to your nurse about how to do this with your baby.

When can my family and friends visit the unit?

We don’t view parents as visitors and you can be with your baby as much as you like. We encourage you to be actively involved in your baby’s care and for us to work alongside you as partners in care for your baby.

Siblings (your children), they can visit anytime with you.

Grandparents may visit between 8am and 8pm.

Extended family and friends may visit between 12 midday and 8pm.

No more than 4 people (including yourself) at a time. At least 1 parent should be present when other people are visiting.

Unless they are a sibling of the baby, children under the age of 12 are not permitted onto the unit.

If you need any more support with visiting, please speak to your Nurse.

Please respect other families and babies in the unit. We ask that you do not approach the cots of other babies and be mindful of others in the room during visits.

What happens during the Ward Round?

We have a medical ward round every morning. This is normally between 9.30 am to 11 am.

We would encourage you to be present during ward round so the medical team (Doctors and Nurses) can update you with your baby’s care and discuss any plans.

We do ask visitors other than parents to leave during ward round to help maintain confidentiality. They will be able to wait in the family room until the round is finished.

If you would like to speak to a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner outside this time, please ask and we will arrange a suitable time.

What facilities are available on the ward?

Eating & drinking – We have a kitchen on the unit for you to use. This has a microwave, toaster and fridge for you to use. Please feel free to help yourself to tea and coffee that is provided. You can drink at your baby’s cot side but any hot drinks must be in a lidded cup that are available in the kitchen. We ask that you use the sitting room to eat.

Vouchers – Parents of babies on the unit are able to get a £3 voucher each day for each parent to use in the canteen. Your nurse will be able to get these for you. If you are resident on the unit your meals are provided by Ward 22. The Ward Host/Hostess will come and take your order for lunch and dinner.

Sitting Room – as well as a sofa, table and chairs this room also has toys and books for siblings to enjoy. Books are also available in each nursery for you to read to your baby.

Lockers – we have a number of lockers available for you to leave belongings in. These are operated by a £1/Trolley coin which is returned when the locker is no longer in use.

Parking – Parents who have a baby on the unit are able to register 1 car for free parking. Please ask your nurse for a form that can then be taken to security.

Will I be able to stay with my baby overnight?

There are four beds within the Special Care Baby Unit. These are mainly used for you to stay with your baby before going home. These beds can be used to offer support before being discharged with your little one and to stay in to start breastfeeding.

We are aware that leaving your baby in hospital overnight can be very daunting, if we can accommodate you, we certainly will. However, during busy periods and when the beds are full, this may not always be possible.

If both parents wish to stay we can try to accommodate this but it may be that 1 parent will be given a comfy chair rather than a bed depending on the number of parents wishing to stay at that time.

Please speak to the Nurse looking after you and your baby if you have any worries.

We have shower facilities and towels for any parent staying on the unit.

The Vcreate app?

We are very lucky to have the Vcreate app on the unit. This app allows us to take pictures and videos of your baby when you are unable to visit or when they have reached a milestone or just being extremely cute!

To receive these, we need you to complete a consent form available on the unit and register for Vcreate. The images will then be sent to the email address you have entered on registration for you to see or share with your family and friends.

Will my baby be transferred to a different ward?

Your baby may be coming to us from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or may become more unwell and require transfer to an Intensive Care cot.

Each unit has slightly different ways of looking after your baby, in line with their hospitals policies.

When you come to our unit, we may do things slightly differently which may be frustrating for you as parents, this will always be in the best interest of your baby.

Please bear with us as we get to know your baby, and you get to know us. Any problems or concerns can be discussed with your Nurse, Team Lead or Ward Matron.

What other professionals will I see on the ward?

Whilst on the unit you may see some other Health Professionals that are part of the wider team. These include Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Dieticians and Psychologists. They all visit the unit on a regular basis but staff can also ask them to visit if your baby or you require it at another time.

When will my baby be able to go home?

Babies are admitted to SCBU for many different reasons and so the amount of time they will need to stay will vary. All babies need to be feeding well, gaining weight regularly and the Doctors need to say they are fit for home before this can happen.

This will be discussed with you regularly, but please ask if you have any other questions.

What is the neonatal playgroup?

Once you have been discharged home, there is a Neonatal playgroup running every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 at Velocity Gymnastic and Trampolining Club on Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3NB.

The playgroup is ran by the Neonatal community team. There will be one of the community Nurses or a paediatric Physiotherapist present.

The venue is funded by Neoangels and there is always a hot drink and friendly faces waiting to greet you. There is no need to book, just turn up!

Will I get any more help or support?

We are very lucky to be supported by charities on the unit.

Contact details can be found on posters throughout the unit, by discussing with the team, or via their websites below:

Neoangels:

Neoangels is a local charity who provide meal vouchers, financial support for travelling and car parking, neonatal specific playgroup and equipment for use on the unit.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.neoangels.org.uk

Leo’s:

Leo’s charity supports parents during the challenge of the neonatal journey with mental health support.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.leosneonatal.org

Bliss:

Bliss is a national charity. They campaign for change, support families and healthcare professionals and enable life changing research. You may see leaflets with the Bliss logo around the unit.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bliss.org.uk

Northern Neonatal Network:

Northern Neonatal Network was brought together following recommendations from The Department of Health to make sure babies and families in the North East of England and North Cumbria receive the highest possible quality of care.

The Network covers a large geographical area and covers eight trusts within that area.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nornet.org.uk
There is an app available to download in the App Store and via Google Play.

UNICEF:

UNICEF UK works with the hospitals where children are born, the schools where children learn and grow and the services that shape their lives, to make sure that every child has the same chance to shine.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.unicef.org.uk

If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to the unit matron (ask for them at the main unit desk).

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]Privacy Notices

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1429 – Version 2
Date for review: April 2028