Providing neonatal care to newborns
Alder Hey’s neonatal surgery unit was the first to be opened in the UK and one of only five in the country. Within this unit we provide specialist care for newborn babies, many of whom will have had or will need surgery.
Our consultant surgeons are trained in a full range of neonatal surgery, performing operations for correction of congenital problems such as abdominal wall defects, oesophageal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, bowel obstruction, Hirschsprung’s disease, neonatal tumours urological conditions, and imperforate anus.
Our team of highly skilled nurses are experts at caring for babies with airway, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. They are trained in post-operative care and pain relief, and the management of feeding problems and stomas. We also work closely with specialised dieticians, pharmacists and speech therapists.
Our nurses are also adept at supporting parents and families through the very stressful experience of having a newborn baby who needs surgery. We are keen to promote breastfeeding and have facilities and expertise to help new mums to express breast milk. A midwife regularly visits the hospital for post-delivery assessments. If, during pregnancy, the baby is diagnosed with a problem which may require surgery, our friendly and approachable staff are happy to arrange parental visits to the unit.