Information for parents and carers
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Introduction
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 they were 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 they are 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 the 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 before you leave 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.
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 – 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.
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 outpatients’ department know so another appointment can be arranged.
We will give you a copy to take home and if needed a copy will be sent to your GP, health visitor and the Neonatal or Children’s Community Nursing Team.
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. They 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.
Contact numbers
University Hospital of North Tees
Special Care Baby Unit
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382723
Children’s Outpatients
Monday to Friday 08:30am to 05:00pm
Telephone: 01642 624527
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Children’s Outpatients
Monday to Friday 08:30am to 05:00pm
Telephone: 01429 522800
Further information is available from:
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
BLISS Website
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 Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
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
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 NoticesLeaflet 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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1171
Date for Review: August 2026
