They will need to be cared for in a neonatal unit.

If your local hospital does not have the level of neonatal care your baby needs, your baby may have to stay in a different hospital in the South West until they are stronger.

The Great Western Hospital is one of the hospitals that has a specialist unit, where your baby might need to be transferred to.

You will be transferred either before your baby is born, or your baby will be transferred by a specialist team after they are born.

The information above is contained in the poster pictured, right, which you can download: What happens if my baby is born sick or premature?

What to expect

This video explains the role of parents and what to expect:

Funded by The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Foundation and created in partnership with The South West Neonatal Network, this animation was made to support new parents who find themselves in the unfamiliar environment of a NICU.

Further information

Please see: