About NICU

The Peter Dunn Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a regional specialist centre for neonatal intensive care. The Unit cares for over 600 babies a year from all over the South West, particularly babies who require surgery or those who need highly specialist care following complex pregnancies and deliveries. The Unit is part of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children but is located close to the maternity unit in St Michaels Hospital nearby.

There are 23 cots, 9 of which are intensive care. There are 54 full-time nursing staff. Nurses work either full or part-time hours on a shift system. Some of the nurses have undergone extensive training to become Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners.

Medical cover is provided by 5 full-time Consultant Neonatologists and Paediatricians, who have different areas of specialisation within the neonatal field, together with two Professors, a team of Specialist Registrars and Senior House Officers. Further specialist support is available from the nearby Children's Hospital, as and when required.

If your baby has just been admitted to NICU, we suggest that you look at our page of essential information. You may also like to look at our page about the early days, and common feelings experienced by parents.