The Neonatal Unit is part of the Children’s Department.
We care for newborn babies who need extra help. This includes babies from South Tyneside, Sunderland, and other parts of the North East. Some babies come here after being born early or needing special care. Parents can visit before their baby is admitted, if this is planned.
About 1 in 10 babies need extra care after birth. Around 1 in 100 need intensive care. We try to keep mothers and babies together whenever we can.
Our unit can care for up to 16 babies. We have:
- 9 cots for special care
- 7 cots for intensive or high-dependency care
- 2 rooms where parents can stay with their baby before going home
These rooms help parents feel ready to care for their baby.
We also have a sitting room with a TV and a kitchen with free tea and coffee. Parents who live far away can stay in hospital accommodation.
We aim to give the best care in a family-friendly space. Every baby is treated as an individual. We also support their emotional and social needs to help them grow and get better.
Hear about Claire's neonatal experience on Our People Podcast:
Where can I find out more?
Parents are partners in caring for their baby. You can visit any time, day or night. To keep babies safe from infection, we ask that only 2 people stay at each cot at a time.
If you can’t visit because you’re sick or need to be at home, we offer a video service called V-Create. This lets you see your baby and talk to staff. Please ask your baby’s nurse if you’d like to use it.
We are on D Level of the Chester Wing at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The easiest way to get here is through the Maternity Block entrance. This is on the right of Chester Road Outpatients Entrance 5.
Each shift is led by a nurse in charge. They plan care and are happy to speak with you.
- Senior nurses wear navy uniforms.
- Staff nurses wear light blue.
- Each baby has a nurse looking after them during every shift.
We are a teaching hospital, so student nurses may help under supervision. Babies who need less complex care may be looked after by a nursery nurse (red uniform), who works with the team.
Health Care Assistants (beige uniform) help with cleaning and setting up equipment.
During the day, a ward clerk is on duty and may be the first person you meet. They usually answer the door buzzer. If no clerk is available, clinical staff will answer.
Sometimes staff may be busy with a baby. We try to avoid delays, but caring for the babies is always our top priority.
- The Northern Neonatal Network has a helpful app with advice for families of premature and sick babies.
- The BLISS website has useful online tools. This includes videos and tips on different types of care.
- You can also read a booklet about Accessing Psychology on the Neonatal Unit.
Our senior team in Neonatal
Clinical lead - Dr Imran Ahmed
Divisional director - Claire McManus
Directorate manager - Andrea Cowling
Matron - Laura Hayden-Duck
Unit manager - Emily Cameron
