About the unit

We provide intensive care for babies who are born prematurely or are unwell, as well as high dependency and special care services on site. Together with our sister unit at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM), we care for babies and families from across the region.

Where to find us

Address

William Harvey Hospital
Kennington Road
Willesborough
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0LZ

Telephone: 

01233 616204

View our service website

Virtual tour

Virtual tour of our unit

We understand that having your baby being cared for on the neonatal unit can be a stressful time for parents and families. If your baby is going to be or has been admitted onto the neonatal unit, or if you are coming to see a baby on the neonatal unit, you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself in advance with where the unit is and how to get there.


The Neonatal Network for Kent, Surrey and Sussex recently completed a video tour (below) of how to get to our neonatal unit, the facilities available on the unit and other helpful information. Press the play button in the bottom left to see a walkthrough from our front door to and then around the unit, or click on one of the other icons to explore specific areas of the tour directly.

Trigger warning

If you are a parent or carer and wish to use our virtual tour to explore our unit, please make sure you are in a safe space and feel emotionally ready to revisit the unit. Some parents have told us that revisiting the unit, even years after your baby was cared for by the neonatal team, can bring back emotional memories, so please take care.

Here is the link to the ODN website where all the links to the 13 neonatal units, neonatal transport service and Ronald McDonald House (Brighton) virtual tours are available.

Neonatal Network South East - unit information.

Facilities for parents

  • Sitting room: A comfortable space for parents to relax. This area is also available for visitors to wait after 4pm.
  • Dining area: A dedicated space for parents and visitors to sit and eat meals.
  • Parent kitchen: A kitchen accessible to parents, equipped with a microwave and fridge, allowing families to prepare refreshments and take a break while remaining close to their baby on the unit.
  • Quiet room: A quiet room is available for private and sensitive conversations with families.
  • Neonatal journey cards are available to provide information and support throughout your baby's neonatal care journey.
  • Admission pack: All parents receive an admission pack, which includes a QR code to download our welcome booklet. The pack also contains a lidded cup, allowing you to make yourself a hot drink while on the unit. For safety reasons, hot drinks must be kept away from your baby's cot side at all times.
  • VCreate: We offer access to VCreate, a secure service that allows the neonatal team to send you photos and videos of your baby when you are unable to be on the unit. You will be asked if you would like to sign up for this service during your baby's admission.

Important things to remember

  • Mobile phones must be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe before entering the nursery.
  • To protect patient confidentiality, phone calls and video calls are not permitted within the nursery and should be taken outside.
  • Lockers are available for storing bags and coats. Please place these items in a locker before entering the nursery and do not leave valuables unattended.

Useful information

Access

24/7 access for parents.

Visiting

Parents are not visitors. They are an integral part of the neonatal team and play a vital role in their baby's care. Parents have unrestricted 24-hour access to the unit.

Siblings are welcome to visit, however, they must remain supervised at all times and should not be left unattended.

Visiting hours for other visitors are from 4pm to 8pm. To ensure a safe and comfortable environment, a maximum of two people may be present at the cot side at any one time, one of whom must be a parent.

Any exceptions to these arrangements must be agreed in advance with the Matron. This is necessary to support infection prevention measures and to ensure adequate space around each baby for safe care.

Travel and parking

This service is available free of charge to all parents whose baby is admitted to the unit. Please speak to a member of the team, who will ensure your car is registered on our ANNP parking system.

Meal provision

We currently provide soup, snacks, tea, and coffee for parents. If you are rooming in with your baby before discharge, you will be provided with breakfast, a hot lunch, and an evening meal. You are also welcome to bring your own food, which can be stored in the fridge and freezer facilities.

Shops

The league of friends shop has an excellent supply of food, toiletries, cards, books and many other items.

East Kent neonatal unit parent support (NUPS)

Our parent support group is a place to hear from parents, who have shared or are sharing a neonatal journey, in order to help and support each other, connect with other parents, share stories, milestones, helpful hints, bad days and most importantly good ones.

Find us on Facebook, or ask to join our WhatsApp group.

Meet the team

  • Dr S Mulla, Neonatal Clinical Lead
  • Dr A Gupta, Neonatal Safety Champion
  • Dr V Vasu, Neonatal Research Lead
  • Dr M Guin, Neonatal Governance Lead
  • Dr S Munn, Neonatal Teaching Lead
  • T Twyman, Neonatal Matron
  • E Worthen, Deputy Head of Neonatal Nursing
  • V Vining, Neonatal Ward Manager for William Harvey Hospital.