Your partner or a support person can attend all outpatient appointments, including antenatal appointments and ultrasound scans.
University Hospital of North Tees
Maternity Unit (Ward 22) and delivery suite
As of Tuesday 7 April 2026, we are updating our visiting hours on ward 22, at the University Hospital of North Tees, to better support the recovery and wellbeing of families within our care.
To ensure the ward remains a tranquil space, we are introducing structured visiting and quiet periods throughout the day and overnight.
This change follows feedback from mothers in our care which indicated that a busy ward environment can sometimes make it difficult for everyone to rest, bond, and establish feeding.
By having dedicated quiet time where the ward remains visitor-free, our team can provide more focused, effective care, ensuring a calmer and more private atmosphere for new arrivals and families.
Our new visiting schedule for ward 22 can be seen below.
Before induction of labour and following your baby’s arrival:
- Birthing partners: One birthing partner can stay between 8am and 10pm. Birthing partners may swap once per 24 hours, as agreed with our midwives
- Baby’s siblings: can visit from 10am
- Family visiting: Up to two additional visitors (aged 16 and over), plus one birthing partner and the baby’s siblings can visit between 1pm and 2pm and 6pm to 7pm.
During induction of labour:
- You can have someone with you during the induction of labour process between 8am and 10pm. Birthing partners may swap once per 24 hours, as agreed with our midwives
Please note: these updates do not apply to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or families within the specialist care birthing unit, where different care needs apply.
We appreciate the community’s support in helping us protect this special time for all our new arrivals.
Special care baby unit
Parents and siblings of the baby are welcome anytime during the day and evening, grandparents are welcomed between 8am and 8pm and all other visitors between 12 midday and 8pm.
To limit the risk of infection to our babies we ask that no small children (under 10 years) visit unless they are a sibling of the baby or it has been arranged with the team. Due to limited space around the cot areas there is a maximum of four visitors allowed at any one time
Ward Round is between 9am to 11am each morning where you can speak to your babies doctor, however if you wish to speak to a doctor outside of these times this can easily be arranged, just ask your nurse.
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Rowan Suite
There are no specific visiting times on the Rowan Suite at Hartlepool.
You can have someone stay with you at all times once you are established in labour you can have a maximum of two birthing partners who can be with you throughout.
Visitors following birth are at the discretion of the midwives In charge and with the wishes of the family.