More Information
and Support

From understanding the unit to finding support for yourself and your baby, this page brings together helpful information for every stage of your journey.

Understanding the unit >

Getting settled in >

Support for you >

Resources for home >

About the unit & charity >

Hospital neonatal unit with incubators and baby cots showing equipment used to care for premature and sick babies

Welcome to NICU:
Understanding the unit

Take a virtual tour of our NICU >

About the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit In Medway >

Understanding different neonatal units
(NICU, LNU, SCU) >

How neonatal care is organised in your region >

If you have been referred for a pre-natal scan or appointment, you will be offered a chance to come for an in-person tour if you’d like one.

Newborn baby lying in hospital cot surrounded by blankets and medical support equipment in a neonatal unit

Your NICU journey:
Getting settled in

The first few days can feel overwhelming. Here are a few things that might help you feel more at home on the unit.

Virtual tour
If you have been referred for a pre-natal scan or appointment, you will be offered a chance to come for an in-person tour if you’d like one.
Read this blog post - a NICU Mum sharing their experience on the Unit.
The unit is open 24-hours a day 7 days a week. Parents are welcome to be with their babies at all times. Other family members and friends may visit with the parents.
We have sofas, fridge, microwave and kettle available to you when you’re here. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided to keep you fuelled.
There are lots of wires and machines, and big incubators in our ITU (Intensive Care Unit) and HDU (High Dependency Unit) but it’s not as scary as it looks. Your care team will be able to explain any of the machines if you would like to know more. Check out our virtual tour of the NICU to understand the equipment better.
We have cuddle chairs next to our cots so you can spend quality time with your baby: find out more about why cuddles are so important
Nappies and cotton wool are supplied for your babies when they’re on ITU (Intensive Care Unit) but you’ll need to bring your own supplies once when on the HDU (High Dependency Unit). Just ask your nurse if you need help locating the supplies.
We have breast pumps available so you can express milk for your baby. Want to know how to use it? And we have a dedicated expressing room for peace and quiet while you express.
There is a quiet room on the unit which is available for you to use if you need a quiet space.
We have three rooms on the unit with ensuites that are typically used for the nights leading up to discharge for you to spend some time with your baby before you go home.
There is limited accommodation available onsite, If you require support with accommodation, please speak to the nurse caring for your baby.
Getting ready to go home can be a bit daunting. Find out more about getting ready for home here.
Talk to members of the NOAH team when you have questions. They will make time to find you and discuss everything as going home approaches.
Our team are there to support you every step of the way as you transition from NICU to home.
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to understand everything straight away. But the Unit staff are here to support you, and explain things as and when you need. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. We’re all here to help.
If you have charity related questions at any point, get in touch with us, we’re here to help! Or for medical related questions, get in touch with the Unit directly: 01634 825125 or speak to staff on the Unit.
Find lots more resources to help you in your stay with us.