This leaflet tells you about planning your baby’s discharge from hospital.
The length of time a baby needs to stay in hospital depends on how early he or she was born or how sick they may have been.
It is very important your baby receives the right care when he or she leaves hospital. Planning for your baby’s discharge will start as soon as possible after he or she is admitted to the special care baby unit.
Who will plan my baby’s discharge from hospital?
You, and staff caring for your baby, will be involved in planning your baby’s discharge from hospital. A discussion between you, nursing staff and medical team will happen to plan your baby’s discharge. We will make sure that you have the right support and follow-up in place prior to you leaving with your baby.
How can I help?
When your baby is admitted to the special care baby unit you will be asked to give what may seem like a great deal of information. This is needed so a discharge plan can be made for your baby’s discharge.
Your baby will need to be registered with a GP prior to discharge, please let the nurse caring for your baby know when you have done this.
Please remember everything you tell us will be treated in confidence. We will not share this information with anyone other than your care team, without your consent.
When will I be told about my baby’s discharge plan?
We will discuss your baby’s discharge from hospital with you before any decisions are made.
We will inform you of all discharge arrangements as soon as they are made. If there are any changes to these arrangements, we will tell you as soon as possible. A consultant is available for ward round daily, or you can request to speak to them at any point in your journey with us.
What if my baby needs any special feeds, medication or other services?
When your baby leaves hospital we will give you a supply of any special feeds and/or medications needed (usually 5 to 7 days’ supply). If you need more supplies, you should get these from your GP, unless special care staff tell you otherwise.
Any services or outpatient appointments that have been arranged will be written in your baby’s discharge plan and explained to you. It will also include details of any special feeds, medicines, equipment or dressings your baby may need.
We will give you a copy of this plan to take home and a copy will be sent to your GP, health visitor and the Neonatal or Children’s Community Nursing Team, if needed
Some babies are asked to come back at around two years for a special development check following their stay on the Special Care Baby Unit. It is important to attend all appointments for your baby, if you are unable to attend, please let the out-patient department know so another appointment can be arranged.
What if I need more information?
If you have any worries about your baby’s discharge from hospital you should discuss these with your baby’s nurse. He or she will try to deal with them, or put you in touch with someone who can.
Your baby’s discharge plan will give details of who to contact if you have any worries or concerns after you go home.
Neonatal Playgroup
Our Neonatal Community Nurses run a playgroup for babies that have spent time on the Unit. It is held on a Tuesday morning, 10:00am to 11:30am, at Velocity, Marsh House Sports Centre, Billingham, TS23 3HB.
Contact numbers
University Hospital of North Tees
- Special Care Baby Unit
Telephone: 01642 382723
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Children’s Outpatients North Tees
Telephone: 01642 624527
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
University Hospital of Hartlepool
- Children’s Outpatients
Telephone: 01429 522800
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Further Information is Available from:
- NHS 111
Telephone: 111
or via the website at https://111.nhs.uk/
Information for Patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Patient Experience Team (PET)
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.
This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, our community hospitals and community health services.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).
| University Hospital of North Tees | University Hospital of Hartlepool |
| Hardwick Road Stockton-On-Tees TS19 8PE Telephone: 01642 617617 | Holdforth Road Hartlepool TS24 9AH Telephone: 01642 617617 |
Leaflet Reference: PI098 – Version 01
Review Date: 20/07/2029