Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 14 bed unit responsible for the provision of care for babies in need of intensive (Level 6) care born at the  WCH, born elsewhere in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Victoria and the far west of New South Wales.

Information for Families

NICU is where a transdisciplinary team cares for babies who require respiratory support, central line management and continuous observation. These babies may be born ill and/or prematurely.

Parents and Caregivers

We welcome the involvement of parents and caregivers while babies are in NICU. Our care is family-centred, meeting the physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the family.

There is a small waiting area near the nursery. 

For safety reasons, please do not bring food or drinks into the Nursery

Accommodation is available within the hospital grounds at a nominal charge.  Nearby hotel or motel accommodation is also available.

The Butterfly Card scheme assists families where babies are admitted to hospital for an anticipated period of more than a week or who have frequent admissions or outpatient/day therapy appointments.

Please ask the midwife/nurse who is caring for your baby if you wish to see a Social Worker, Interpreter or Minister of Religion.

Caring for your Baby

All of the nursing staff delivering care in NICU, are Registered Nurses/Midwives, with many having advanced Neonatal Intensive Care qualifications.

Services and Facilities

Meals for parents and caregivers are available from the Playdeck and Cafeteria.

Mobile phones interfere with sensitive medical equipment and must not be used in the Nursery. Pay phones are located around the hospital.

Car parking is available on or near the hospital grounds. 

Visiting

Parents can visit anytime except:    

9.00am - 10.00am

1.00pm - 2.00pm

7.00pm - 8.00pm

Other Visitors can visit:                   

2.00pm - 7.00pm

Children:  (brothers and sisters of the baby only)

Adults:     Parent Approval Only

It is important that all visitors wash their hands on entering and leaving the unit

People who are unwell must not visit the Nursery

You may wish to make arrangements for other siblings to be cared for while you are visiting. Siblings may be cared for in the WCH creche .

Research Activity

The WCH has an ongoing commitment to ethical research and evidence based practice. Many research activities are conducted with support from the Neonatal staff.

Hours

24 hours

Contact Details

Clinical Service Coordinator - Pauline Lowe

Location

3rd Floor - Queen Victoria Building

Mailing Address

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

 

Women's and Children's Hospital

 

72 King William Road

 

North Adelaide

 

South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Phone: (08) 8161 7869

Pager:  4164

Fax:     (08) 8161 7835

Email:  pauline.lowe@health.sa.gov.au

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