Welcome to George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
We are thrilled to welcome you to our maternity ward! This is an exciting time, and we’re here to make sure you, your baby, and your birth partner feel supported every step of the way.
This leaflet will help you and your partner understand how we can work together to create a calm, safe, and nurturing environment for everyone on Drayton ward.
The Role of the Birth Partner Staying Overnight
Having a supportive birth partner can make all the difference. If your partner wishes to stay overnight and this is something you would like we encourage them to:
- Be actively involved in caring for mum and baby.
- Offer emotional reassurance and practical help during this important time.
- Respect the needs of other families to ensure the ward remains a peaceful place for everyone.
- Approach staff if additional support is needed.
Your presence helps with bonding and builds confidence as parents as you begin a new journey together. We’re so pleased to have you here as part of this special experience.
Taking time to rest
We also recognise that staying overnight is a personal choice, and partners should feel no pressure to do so. In some cases, getting a good night’s rest at home can leave you feeling more refreshed and better able to support mum and baby during the day.
If you decide to go home to rest, please feel reassured that our team will continue to provide dedicated care and support. You are welcome to return to the ward during visiting hours or at any time if needed.
General Ward Information Drayton
- Drayton is a ward which has antenatal and postnatal mothers and babies.
- Ward Layout: There are 4 bays of which each comprise of four beds. Some bays will have antenatal mothers and other postnatal mothers which are shared with other new mums and their babies. There are several single bedded rooms which are assigned based on medical need.
- Staffing: Our friendly team includes at least two midwives on duty at all times to provide expert care and support. In addition we have maternity support workers who are available to provide support and care.
- Visiting: for the most up to date visting information and times, please see https://
www. geh.nhs.uk/ services/ maternity/ maternity-visiting-times - Quiet Time: To help everyone get the rest they need, quiet hours are from 8 PM to 8 AM.
- Please note that during these hours, our team may still need to perform necessary routine checks on mums and babies to ensure their wellbeing.
- Facilities for Partners:
- We provide recliner chairs on request for partners to rest beside the bed.
- Please bring your own blanket and pillow, if you would like.
- Whilst we can’t offer shower facilities for partners, there are visitor toilets available. If you wish to make use of this facility to wash please bring your own toiletries.
We understand that this might not feel like home, but we hope these arrangements will make your stay and other families stay as comfortable as possible.
Safety and behaviour policy
The safety of you, your baby, and all families on the ward is our top priority. Here’s how we can work together.
Respecting Our Staff and Patients
Our team is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all. In line with the NHS Zero Tolerance Policy, we do not accept any form of abuse, aggression, or harassment towards staff, patients, or other families.
If there are concerns about behaviour, staff may ask individuals to leave the ward to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all.
Security
For the safety and security of our mums and babies please do not allow staff or visitors to tailgate onto the ward. We would expect staff to access the ward using their security pass. Visitors should use the door bell and speak to a member of staff before accessing Drayton ward.
If you have any concerns about security please don’t hesitate to speak with the ward manager or midwife in charge.
Partner Stay Considerations
We understand that having a birth partner present is important for support and bonding. However, in some circumstances, there may be specific considerations that could affect a partner’s ability to stay overnight.
If any concerns arise regarding a partner’s stay, a member of the healthcare team will discuss this with you sensitively and in confidence, ensuring that the wellbeing and safety of all families on the ward remain our priority.
Safe Storage of Valuables
- Lockers are provided for storing essential personal items.
- We strongly advise against bringing high-value items (for example, jewellery, large sums of money, expensive electronics) onto the ward.
- The hospital cannot accept responsibility for any lost, stolen, or misplaced personal belongings.
Partners with Disabilities
We are committed to ensuring that partners with disabilities receive the reasonable accommodations and support they need during their stay. If you require additional assistance, please speak with a midwife or a member of staff, who will be happy to help.
Fire Safety:
- In case of a fire alarm, please stay calm and follow the instructions of ward staff.
Smoking:
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on hospital grounds. Vaping is not permitted inside the hospital.
- Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Warwickshire’s specialist service help you to stop smoking. Please speak to a midwife who can complete a referral to our friendly and expert stop smoking in pregnancy advisors or you can call or text the team on 07917 227004.
- Did you know there is also support for dads and partners to stop smoking? Text QUIT TO 60777 or call 0333 005 0092. Alternatively visit: https://
fitterfutures.everyonehealth.co.uk/ for more information.stop-smoking-service/
Night Etiquette:
- Keep movements around the ward to a minimum during quiet hours to respect other families. Please keep entering and leaving the ward to a minimum between 10 PM and 8 AM.
Emergencies:
- Occasionally, there may be emergencies on the ward requiring privacy, space, and staff attention. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during these times. If this is the case please remain calm and follow any instructions staff may give you.
Health and Safety:
- Please ensure belongings are kept in the lockers provided and suitcases and bags are kept to a minimum. Space around the bed is limited and may be a slip or trip hazard for staff if they needed to attend to you in an emergency. We would kindly ask that suitcases and car seats are kept in the car if at all possible, for your comfort and safety.
Infection Control
Keeping everyone healthy is a shared responsibility. Please help us by:
- Using hand sanitisers provided at ward entrances and exits whenever you come in or leave Drayton.
- Washing your hands before and after helping with mum or baby.
- Staying home if you’re feeling unwell with a cold, flu, stomach upset or have an unexplained rash.
- Resting in the recliner chair rather than sharing the hospital bed with mum, as this helps prevent the spread of germs.
Your cooperation ensures a safer environment for all the families in our care.
Making the Ward Feel Like Home
- Clothing and Footwear: To keep everyone comfortable, we ask that partners remain fully dressed, including footwear, at all times.
- Noise Levels: Use headphones if you’re watching a video or listening to music, especially during quiet hours. If taking telephone calls, especially between 10PM and 8AM ensure that the speaker phone function is not used. A calm atmosphere helps babies settle and mums rest.
- Privacy Matters: Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of other families during your stay. Curtains around the bed space may be closed for the purposes of examinations or privacy. Please ensure that you check with the occupant before opening.
We’re Here to Support You
Our team is always on hand to help if you have questions or concerns. If you need assistance during your stay, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our midwives or use the patient call bell provided.
We hope you’ll find your time on our ward to be a positive, supportive experience as you begin this new chapter. Thank you for being part of our maternity family—we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible.
If you’d like to share feedback about your stay, please speak to the midwife in charge or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
From all of us here at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
We’re so happy to be part of your story and look forward to supporting your growing family!
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
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