Parking is free for Parents of babies on the neonatal Unit – please ask on the unit for details how to obtain free parking.
NICU is located in zone A, lower ground floor, location A28; adjacent to the early pregnancy unit.
You will need to press the doorbell at the main entrance to enter and exit the unit. Throughout your time on the unit, we will grant you access as soon as possible.
Please ensure you remove your outdoor coat, wash your hands, use hand gel and remove all jewellery (except wedding bands).
We encourage parents to spend as much time with their baby and feel involved with their care and decisions which will affect their care as much as possible.
Siblings are also welcome to spend as much time with your baby as you wish, however to avoid overcrowding at the cot please ensure there are only two visitors at a time including parents.
Babies can be born early, or your doctor or midwife may decide that your baby needs to be delivered early. In these cases your baby may need to be cared for in our neonatal unit where we provide intensive, high dependency and specialist care for sick newborn babies, depending on their needs.
Our staff are committed to providing high quality care and support for your baby and family. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with the nurse in charge or ward manager.
Our staff work two shift patterns: 7:30am – 8pm or 7:30pm-8am. The nurse caring for your baby will work with you to plan your babies care.
Dolphin Ward cares for children with a wide range of medical, surgical and orthopaedic conditions in both the West Essex and Hertfordshire areas.
Please do not visit Dolphin Ward if you have been unwell with any diarrhoea, vomiting or flu like symptoms in the last 72 hours.
Location
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Zone B, second floor, location B46
Visiting hours
Parents can be with their child at all times. We can only accommodate one parent/carer to stay overnight with their child.
Extended family and friends can visit between 2:30 – 7:30pm.
Mealtimes
Breakfast: 7.30 – 8am
Lunch: 12 – 1pm
Dinner: 5 – 6pm
Contact telephone number
01279 82 7173
Ward manager
Helen Weaving
Minu Chalapuram
For further information please click here
The Neonatal Lead Nurse is
Husnara Begum
The Neonatal Lead Clinician is
Sanath Reddy
The Paediatric Critical Care Lead Nurses are
Janelle Gardner
Kelly Parker
The Paediatric Critical Care Lead Clinician is
Jon Keene
The Surgery in Children Lead Nurses are
Jane Geddis
Janelle Gardner
The Surgery in Children Lead Clinicians are
Vardhini Vijay
