Your baby's NICU team

During your baby’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey you will meet many different health professionals.

Doctors

A specialist doctor called a neonatologist will oversee your baby’s care. The neonatologist will see your baby every morning when they do their round. Each week a new neonatologist will be on service in the unit.

Registrars and residents are doctors who are getting extra training in the care of neonates. They are on the ward 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nurses

Registered nurses are available to care for your baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. How many babies each nurse cares for during their shift depends on the level of care required.

Clinical nurse specialists ensure the unit provides a high level of evidence-based care for all babies and also deliver the GET FED program.

The nurse unit manager leads and manages the unit's nurses and midwives to deliver patient centred care and evidence-based outcomes in line with clinical standards.

A hearing screener will test your baby’s hearing before your baby goes home.

Lactation consultants are registered nurses and/or midwives and are available 7 days a week to help with expressing, storage and transport of expressed breast milk and breastfeeding.

Allied health professionals

A dietitian will make sure your baby receives adequate nutrients and vitamins. They attend the team round each morning.

Physiotherapists help with developmental care and can advise on many things such as positioning your preterm baby. The physiotherapist may also video how your baby performs some general movements to screen for neurological issues. If your treating team feel your baby requires this, it will be discussed with you in advance.

Having a sick or premature baby can be extremely stressful, and our social workers can provide emotional support and help you access other community or hospital-based services.

Clinical psychologists are available to provide emotional support during your baby’s stay you and guide you to community-based services when you return home. Learn more about our Neonate Clinical Psychology Service.

Pharmacists attend the ward round daily to support and advise your baby’s treating team and provide you information on medications you are taking home for your baby.

Aboriginal health liaison officers (AHLOs) provide culturally secure care and support to Aboriginal patients and their families.

Speech therapists provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and feeding support in collaboration with parents and caregivers. If a baby is having feeding difficulties, they can assess the baby’s swallowing and sucking abilities and develop an individualised feeding plan.