Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)

The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Conquest Hospital is a Level 1 unit providing special care for babies in East Sussex. Our aim is to provide care for babies needing extra help and support, based on a family centered approach.

There are many different needs for babies admitted to the SCBU. When your baby is admitted to special care, you will have many questions, and our team will support you and encourage you to be involved in your baby’s care.

Information on these pages is for parents to understand what to expect in the SCBU, and how to contact us and other useful information.

For more information on sick and pre-term babies please click on the links provided. These offer support and additional information.

Access to the unit

Mothers who are on the Buchanan Delivery suite or Frank Shaw Ward have direct access to the unit, at any time. Fathers and other visitors should enter the hospital via the main entrance on Level 3, and ring the bell located outside SCBU. Please note the exit by the delivery suite is for Emergency use only.

Admission to the unit

When your baby is admitted to Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) this can be a very stressful time. Staff are there to support you and keep you informed about your babies care.

Nurses, doctors and other staff will be initiating the care your baby receives. Staff will always encourage parents to have an active role in their baby’s care. Your baby will receive care tailored to their individual needs and requirements. While your baby is in SCBU they will have routine tests and procedures, also national routine screening.

We have two rooms available for parents to use, near to the time of discharge. We also have parent friendly packs of toiletries available on request.

Sibling packs are also available on request.

The Team

The SCBU team is made up of Consultants, Doctors, Ward Matron, Sisters, Nurses, Nursery nurses Administrator and Housekeepers:

  • Ward Matron – Wendy Thompsett: Purple uniform
  • Neonatal Sisters: Navy Blue uniform
  • Staff Nurses: Light Blue uniform
  • Nursery Nurses: Very pale blue uniform
  • Housekeeper
  • Administrator

Visiting information

Parents and siblings of the baby are welcome on SCBU at any time. Visitors are also permitted at any time except for between 1.00pm and 3.00pm when we operate a “Quiet Time”, to promote rest for the babies. Only parents are allowed at this time.

There is a limit of two people per cot, one of which must be a parent. No children under the age of 16 are allowed unless they are the baby’s sibling. Anybody with coughs, colds or other illnesses should not visit SCBU.

Contact us

Special Care Baby Unit
Conquest Hospital,
The Ridge,
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex, TN37 7RD
Tel: (01424) 757033

Parking

Visitors can use either of the public car parks but there are parking charges. Parents can apply for a parking permit, which allows free parking during babies hospital stay. Please ask any member of the nursing staff to arrange this for you.