Welcome to our antenatal/postnatal ward. Here is a summary of the basic ward information you need to know to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.
Calling for help
There is a call bell by each bed. Please do call if you need anything at all, we are here for you 24 hours a day.
We endeavour to answer the bells as quickly as possible.
Staff
You and your baby will be cared for by a variety of different staff.
This includes: Midwives, Maternity care assistants, Nursery nurses, Nurses, Doctors, Newborn Hearing screeners and the Neonatal team.
Meals
- Breakfast- 7am-10am
There is a table in the corridor where you can help yourself. If you are not mobile please ask a member of staff.
A menu will be bought round to you in the morning and you will be able to order your lunch and dinner for that day.
- Lunch: 12pm
Bought to your bedside by the kitchen team
- Dinner: 5pm
Bought to your bedside by the kitchen team
- Tea and Coffee
Available 24 hours a day. There is a trolley in the corridor when you can help yourself at any time.
If you require any additional meals or snacks outside of these times please ask a member of staff.
Water
Staff will regularly refill your waterjug, but you can also help yourself to our cold water dispenser any time.
Medication
There are regular medication rounds that happen throughout the day. The time of these is approximately 06:00, 14:00, 18:00 and 22:00.
If you are asleep at these times we will not disturb you, unless the medication is required urgently.
It is common to require medication outside of these times, so please ring your bell and a member of staff will be able to assist you.
Lights
The main lights generally go off at around 22:00.
There is a lamp above your bed which can be turned on using the button on your call bell.
Observations
Often we are required to do observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature etc) on you throughout your stay. The frequency and timings of these will depend on your individual circumstances.
Babies
Please don’t leave your baby unattended. If you need to leave the bedside, please take your baby with you or take your baby to reception where staff will watch them temporarily.
When transporting your baby around the ward please use the cot.
Etiquette
We have an open curtain policy for safety, better airflow and to encourage interactions between parents.
Please be considerate to your neighbours. Keep phone use to a minimum and conversations quiet.
We politely ask you to respect the visiting times. Restrictions are in place to allow those staying on the ward some calm, down time.
If you would like your bedding changed, please ask a member of staff.