The Neonatal Unit cares for sick and premature babies. Our unit is designated as a Level 2 Local Neonatal Unit (LNU) within the South London Neonatal Network. We provide intensive care, high dependency care and special care .
For those babies likely to be born before 27 weeks gestation (28 weeks for twins), care is transferred to St Georges Hospital as they specialise in extreme prematurity. We aim to do this prior to delivery. Babies who require ventilation over 48 hours or need specialist or surgical input, are likely to have care transferred to St Georges or another tertiary unit. As soon as your baby is well enough, they will return to Kingston Neonatal Unit for on going care.
Each experience is different and the care we deliver is tailored to your baby’s needs to ensure the best possible outcome and give the best experience for all the family.
Parents are involved and are updated daily on the ward round, and are fully involved in the decision making about care and treatment.
In addition to the doctors and nurses, we also have additional team members to support your baby. These include Dieticians, Speech and Language Therapist, Pharmacists and our own Infant Feeding Specialist and Family Support Nurse.
Visiting – On the neonatal unit we regard all parents as partners in care. Therefore we have open visiting for both parents.
When nursing handover or a ward round takes place, head phones are given to parents to maintain confidentiality without parents having to leave the nursery. If one parent is not able to visit then a second main carer can be nominated to visit.
Information about machines, equipment, alarms and noises you will find in the unit.
Information on visiting
Leave feedback on your inpatient stay
Marie Richter, Neonatal Unit Matron is our Neonatal Safety Champion. Find out more.