The unit comprises of 42 cots; 16 intensive, 4 high dependency and 22 special care. 

Making an appointment

We accept emergency admissions from our delivery suite, theatres, postnatal ward, children’s ward and A&E. We also receive transfers from other hospitals and occasional admissions from home of babies less than 14 days old. We do not accept referrals from GPs.

Ongoing support

Follow-up is provided to babies who present with neonatal problems and who live locally. Specialist clinics are provided for babies with chronic lung disease of prematurity needing home oxygen, and those at risk of developmental problems.

For babies returning to their local hospital follow-up is usually best co-ordinated locally, and we liaise with the original referring unit to help co-ordinate this as needed.

To change or cancel an appointment (for follow-up support) contact Starlight outpatients department on 020 8510 5018 or 7425.

Midwifery care

If a mother is discharged from the unit where she delivered and she is to be a resident at Homerton, she should be referred to our community midwives who will provide post-natal care for her. If mother is not resident then midwifery care will be provided by her local midwifery team.

Visiting arrangements

Parents/carers are welcome to visit at any time. During the winter months when colds and flu are more common, we may restrict children under five from visiting to ensure the well being of all babies in our care. Further details are available in our parent's booklet.

Facilities

There is a sitting room/kitchenette area situated adjacent to the unit for parents. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, fridge and kettle.

Accommodation

Accommodation for parents is limited. There is one double ensuite, one twin ensuite and one single ensuite bedroom. The sitting room and kitchenette area are shared with other parents. The rooms are situated adjacent to the neonatal unit. There is no cost to use the rooms.

If mother is admitted as an inpatient it is possible for dad to stay in one of the parent's room. At the present time it is not possible for siblings to stay.

There is a pay phone on the corridor close to the neonatal unit. Mobile phones can be used in this area and outside the neonatal unit.

There are no laundry facilities for parents on the neonatal unit, but there is a launderette within five minutes walking distance of the hospital.

Unfortunately, due to the limited space available preference is given to parents whose baby is very sick and those who have to travel long distances to visit.

How to contact us

tel: 020 8510 7361/7364

Key staff

Dr Shahid Husain
Consultant neonatologist with a special interest in neonatal medicine

Prof Kate Costeloe
Consultant neonatologist

Dr Narendra Aladangady
Consultant neonatologist, director of research and development and senior lecturer with a special interest in neonatal intensive care

Dr Swee Fang
Consultant neonatologist with a special interest in neonatal medicine

Dr Olga Kapellou
Consultant neonatalogist with a special interest in neonatal neurology and neurodevelopment

Dr Zoe Smith
Consultant neonatologist 

Dr Elia Maalouf
Consultant neonatologist

Dr Ravi Prakash
Consultant neonatologist with a special interest in neonatal intensive care

Dr Vicky Rowell
Consultant neonatologist

Dr Philippa Chisholm
Consultant neonatologist with a special interest in neurodevelopmental follow up

Dr Neil Murray
Locum consultant neonatologist

Jacki Oughton 
Lead nurse