Neonatal unit

The neonatal unit at West Suffolk Hospital provides care for sick and preterm infants from 30 weeks gestation onwards. Babies come to us for a variety of reasons and stay with us for varying lengths of time ranging from a few hours to a few weeks.

Services provided 

We have 12 cots in total which can be used for babies requiring short term intensive care, high dependency care and special care depending on the needs of the individual baby. Staff on the unit work hard to keep parents as much involved as possible in their baby's care and to deliver high quality, safe and effective family centred care.

Contact the team

Neonatal unit: 01284 713251 or 01284 712854

Dr Ian Evans, consultant paediatrician: 01284 713903

Dr Martina Noone, consultant paediatrician: 01284 713749

Sharon Farthing, senior matron for neonatal and paediatric services: 01284 713319  

Location

We are on the first floor of the hospital opposite ward F12.

Opening hours

Visiting times

Parents and siblings may visit their baby at any time of the day or night on the neonatal unit.

Other family and friends are restricted to 2.30pm - 4.00pm and 7.00pm - 8.00pm. Visitors should be accompanied by the baby's parents, restricted to only two per baby please. No other children under 15 are permitted onto the unit. Any queries regarding visiting can be answered by the nurse in charge.

Patient information 

We ask that for the comfort and privacy of our babies and families that mobile phones and other electronic devices are kept in silent mode whilst on the unit.

Premature and sick babies are particularly vulnerable to infection, therefore it is essential that all visitors to the unit wash their hands before entering and before handling a baby. It is also important that you inform us if you or any member of your family is unwell in any way.

Support groups

We have a local neonatal parent support group, which undertake lots of fundraising and can be contacted via the unit.

BLISS also offers emotional and practical support and is a great resource for parents/families. Telephone: 0808 801 0322.