Parents are welcome 24 hours a day at the Centenary Hospital, we will give each baby’s parents a 24-hour swipe access card. This is arranged by our ward clerks during business hours. Don’t forget to return your swipe card when your baby is ready to go home.
To ensure babies are safe and comfortable we have some visiting rules:
- visitors must be with a parent of the baby, when they visit
- there is a maximum of three people at the bedside at one time, either two parents and one visitor or one parent and two visitors
- ask your visitors to text or call you when they arrive so you can let them in with your swipe card and bring them into the unit
- if you are unable to visit your baby, parents can choose up to four people to visit, please let the nurse caring for your baby or the team leader before they come into the unit
- siblings are welcome to visit, other children under 12 years of age, cannot visit.
North Canberra Hospital
Parent access to the SCN
- You are welcome to visit the SCN 24 hours a day.
- Please buzz the doorbell for entry into the SCN, we do not offer swipe card access at NCH
- Our SCN direct number is (02) 5103 6681 if you have any questions or you are requesting updates.
Other Visitors
To ensure babies are safe and comfortable we have some visiting rules:
- Visitor Hours including siblings is 7:30am to 9pm except for 12:30pm to 3pm which is only for parents during this quiet time
- Visitors must be with a parent of the baby, when they visit.
- We ask you to limit visitors to family and/or close family friends to a maximum of 2 people per day (24-hour period).
- Siblings can visit with a parent and must always be supervised by an adult, including in family lounge areas
- No other children under 12 years of age can visit (siblings only).
Maintaining a safe supportive, environment for babies
For safety reasons we don’t allow hot drinks in babies’ rooms. Drink bottles with lids and cold snacks are best. You are welcome to take photos of your baby. Please switch phones and devices to silent and wipe them down each day when you come to the unit.
Family Illness
Anyone with a cold or other illness is not allowed to visit the unit until they are well.
The NICU and Special Care Nursery are ‘no cough’ zones. Whooping cough can be life threatening to babies. If visitors have a cough, please tell them not to visit.
If you have a cold sore, please talk to the medical or nursing staff caring for your baby. It may be necessary to take extra precautions to prevent cross infection.
Handwashing
Handwashing is one of the most important precautions to prevent infection when caring for your baby.
Before entering your baby’s room:
- wash your hands at one of the handwash bays in NICU and SCN
- roll up your sleeves and remove any watches, bracelets, and rings.
Complete a 1-minute fingertip-to-elbow scrub:
- Ensure you clean your forearms up to the elbows and dry thoroughly.
In your baby’s room:
- If you are attending to your baby’s care (changing nappy) please wash your hands
- After touching any surfaces (mobile devices, books and handbags) please use alcohol hand rub prior to touching your baby.
For your comfort
We have family areas for your use at any time of the day or night.
Bottled water is available in NICU. Tea, instant coffee, milk, and sugar are available in the Family Room in the Special Care Nursery. We also have a small fridge, a microwave and washing up facilities.
All families with a baby in the unit at the Centenary hospital are welcome to use the Ronald McDonald Family Room which is located on Level 1 near the Paediatric Wards.
North Canberra Hospital has a family room available for parents. It has water, tea, instant coffee, milk and sugar and some light snacks that are supplied by Ronald McDonald House.
There are a variety of cafes and facilities available at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital campuses.