This leaflet is designed to inform you of the security measures taken to help keep you and your baby safe during your stay in the Maternity unit at CIC/WCH 

What parents need to know:
  1. Do not give your baby to anyone you do not know without first checking who they are. All staff should be wearing a North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust photo identification badge.
  2. The handwritten label will only include the details of mum and baby. For your reassurance, we apply security tags to your baby from birth until you go home. The electronic tag will alarm if your baby is taken off the ward, if the tag falls off or if it is tampered with. 
  3. Tests may need to be performed in a department other than the maternity unit. If you are uncomfortable with anyone who requests to take your baby, unclear why testing is being performed or why your baby is being taken from you, check with the senior midwife on duty. If your baby is going for tests, then you have the right to go too. 
  4. Never leave your baby unattended. Always inform the staff if you are leaving the unit for any reason. 
  5. Familiarise yourself with the staff on the maternity unit. Be sure you know the midwife assigned to you and your baby. 
  6. Question unfamiliar persons enquiring about your infant, even if they are wearing hospital uniform, and inform staff immediately if there are any concerns. 
  7. On the postnatal ward, we encourage ‘rooming in,’ to facilitate bonding and attachment. This means we do not remove babies from their mothers 
  8. Please make family and friends aware of the hospital visiting times as we restrict visitors on the maternity unit. As the Maternity is secure, your visitors will need to buzz for access using the intercom so don’t be alarmed if they are questioned or advised there are too many visitors at that time as we try to keep them to a minimum for  Security and Infection Prevention purposes
  9. Birth announcements: be mindful of what you include and limit personal information. Think carefully of what information you put on social media sites.
  10. Following discharge, do not allow anyone into your home who say they are connected with the hospital without verifying their photo identification. 

If you don’t feel right- Hold on tight!

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302