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Home – Our services – Children and young people – Specialty services – Neonatal unit – Family guide – Access and visiting

Access and visiting

Accessing and visiting the neonatal unit at South Tees Hospitals.

image of five family members meeting new born baby

As a safety precaution and so we are aware of who is visiting at all times, doors to the NICU are locked.

To gain access, please use the doorbell and a member of our team will ask you to identify yourself before releasing the door.

Do not allow other people to enter without getting permission, this is for the safety of the babies.

We have an open access policy but for security, visitors must be accompanied by one of the parents. Over crowding increases the risk of cross infection therefore only two adults are allowed per cot space, one of which must be a parent.

image of six chairs in neonatal family room/waiting room

Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to visit unless they are a sibling and must be supervised at all times. Grandparents can visit alone but are not allowed to bring any visitors.

We have a waiting room so please don’t stand in the corridor as it may create an obstruction in an emergency.

To create a clean and safe environment for all babies we ask that all parents and visitors:

  • Avoid smoking cigarettes or have the residue of second-hand smoke on clothing and hair before visiting
  • Change out of ‘working clothes’
  • Remove out-door coats and hats
  • Bags should not be brought into the rooms
  • Do not leave valuables unattended, lockers are available which require a £1 coin which is refunded. The trust cannot be held responsible for losses.
  • No children under the age of 16 are allowed on to the unit unless they have a baby brother or sister who is a patient. Children at school are in constant contact with oter children who may have infections and there is a real risk of infections being passed on to your vulnerable baby
  • If you have cold or flu symptoms, cold sores, diarrhoea, vomiting, generally feel unwell, or if you or a family member develops chickenpox, measles or shingles we would ask that you ring for advice before visiting as these can be harmful to babies.