Visiting Neonatal Intensive Care
Your first visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) may distress you. Your child may seem fragile and may not look the way you remember them.
Bring a family member or close friend with you
You will hear buzzing and beeps from the equipment used to support and monitor your child's condition. On your first visit, you may prefer to have a close friend or a family member with you.
Staff will show you around the ICU and explain what is happening
A member of the staff will introduce you to the ICU and show you where to leave your things and how to wash your hands before entering the ward. Hand washing is very important for anyone visiting your child.
The nurse caring for your child will provide clear explanations about the equipment being used and any other aspects of your child's care. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to ask.
Your child may go the emergency department first
If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask. In some situations, the NETS team will take your child to the emergency department of a children's hospital.
After assessment there, your child may be transferred to a ward or the ICU. The emergency department staff will answer any questions you have.