Welcome to the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. We are a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing all aspects of neonatal care. As Scotland’s largest neonatal unit with 50 available cot spaces, we also look after babies from across Scotland with a range of conditions, including babies with surgical conditions, heart problems and airway problems. We are also one of the few centres in the UK providing neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS). This is sometimes referred to as ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). More information on this form of treatment is available here: ECLS in NICU (picu.scot)
We understand and appreciate the worry and concern that you will have if your child has to spend time with us after they are born. However our dedicated team are all here to help and support you during your baby’s stay on the neonatal unit.
Our neonatal unit is split across two levels (you can see a map of the unit here). Level 1 is dedicated to babies who require more intensive forms of care, whilst level 2 is normally utilised for babies who are closer to going home. We also have four family rooms available within the neonatal unit, allowing parents to stay overnight and have some support caring for their baby prior to going home.
We are part of the Scottish Perinatal Network and work closely with all neonatal units across the country to facilitate transfer of babies closer to home as soon as possible. Our neonatal transport team colleagues at ScotSTAR undertake the transfer of babies requiring neonatal care. We have a particularly special relationship with our sister neonatal units across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in both the Royal Alexandra Hospital and The Princess Royal Maternity. We work closely with both other units to provide a comprehensive model of neonatal care for all babies born within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Additionally, for infants with more complex needs, we also work with our Paediatric Specialty colleagues to allow babies to transition to the paediatric wards within the Children’s Hospital when required.
A stay in neonatal care - An animated guide
You can find out more about our unit by taking our virtual tour.