My child has been referred for a paediatric transfer

As your child is very sick they need to be observed closely, so they will have their own specially trained nurse. Your child will be allocated a consultant on admission who will remain your child’s consultant until they leave PICU/HDU. They will oversee the medical care for your child. Overall your child and family will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team which includes medical staff, psychologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, operating department practitioners and specialist nurses. All Staff will introduce themselves to you and you should feel comfortable with asking to see identification. 

When you see your child they may be on special medicines to keep them temporarily asleep (sedated) or still (paralyzed). Our aim is to ensure their comfort during their stay in the unit.

Your child will be surrounded by complex machinery. Their care may involve the use of this machinery and it may seem frightening. However each machine has a specific purpose and allows us to observe your child constantly without disturbing them. Don't be concerned if you do not understand all the machines, your nurse will explain them to you when you feel ready.

You play a very important part in your child's care and can be involved as much as you wish. The sound of your voice will be reassuring to your child. Playing their favourite music or tapes will also be comforting and do not forget their special toy!

Visit Google Maps for a personalised directions to our site. 

Car parking for patients and visitors is located in one of our two multi-storey car parks located at car park 1. There is a concessionary seven day ticket available for each family. 

How do I get a 7 day ticket? 

• Take the usual parking ticket as you enter the main hospital car park then take it to 

reception on NICU 

• The ticket will then stamped so you will be eligible for a 7 day ticket 

• To exchange your ticket for a 7 day pass you will need to go to the customer service desk 

which is located 

• Once the service desk has provided you with your 7 day ticket you will then need to go to the ticket machine and insert your ticket and then pay the concessionary payment requested 

• Once you have paid your ticket will be validated for the next 7 days and you will use this ticket each time 

To keep up with the latest guidelines for protecting patients, staff are constantly reminded of effective ways of preventing infection, including how to care for children and young people with difficult wounds and how to insert intravenous (IV) lines safely. When we know our patients are at risk of serious infection, we can use our side rooms or smaller (cohort) bays to protect them. These areas are barrier nursed. 

When visiting your child please follow any instructions given by clinical staff. Always wash your hand on entry and exit from PICU. Good hand washing techniques are displayed at all the sinks for you to follow. Please do not hesitate to ask questions of the team.

We have a parent's room with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and a microwave. You may wish to bring supplies with you. There are shops and restaurants in the main concourse including a grocery store, newsagents and a bank with a cash point.

If able please bring for your child / young person in a small bag:

· All the medicines your child is taking.

· Your Child Health Record (red book) or any equivalent document such as a Shared Care Record or Hospital Passport.

· Toothbrush, toothpaste and other wash things.

· Enough nappies or pads for your child’s stay.

· Clean sleep wear.

· Any specialist equipment your child uses every day.

· Any ready-made special feed in an unopened container.

· Any bottles, teats or drinking beakers your child prefers.

· A favourite toy or comforter – please label it with your child’s name.

We appreciate that your child may have been admitted as an emergency, so please do not worry in the first instance if you are unable to bring these items in.

Acorn house is an on site accommodation run by the Sick Children's Trust. We have limited parent accommodation available in Acorn House, which runs independently from the hospital by the charity “The Sick Children’s Trust”. The availability will be discussed once your child is admitted and is based on the distance from your home and the clinical condition of your child.  Please speak with the nurse caring for your child.