Neonatal Outreach Service

Neonatal Outreach Service

Patient Information

Child Health Services

• Author ID:           LR 
• Leaflet Ref:         CH 073 
• Version:              1
• Leaflet title:         Neonatal Outreach Service 
• Date Produced:   August 2025 
• Expiry Date:        August 2027 

Introduction

When your baby is ready to be discharged, your family will be offered support at home from the Neonatal Outreach Team. We are a team of specialised nurses based on the Neonatal Unit at Wigan Hospital. We are here to support you and your baby settle in at home.

You may meet us during your baby’s time in the Neonatal unit and we will talk with you about caring for your baby at home.

Our aim is to provide a seamless transition from hospital to home for babies who reside in the Wigan Borough.

We work closely with a wide range of professionals to provide optimum care for your baby in the home environment.

Telephone Number

01942 778522   
Please note- the office is not always manned as we may be out on visits.  There is an answer machine for non urgent messages.

Service Hours

Monday to Friday 08.00 – 16.00
Saturday and Bank Holidays 08.00 – 14.00

Who Do We Visit

• Any babies 2.2kg and under (birth weight/discharge weight)
• Gestational age 35 weeks and under
• Total length of stay on Neonatal Unit or Transitional Care 7 days or longer
• Babies with complex needs i.e. oxygen dependent, short term tube feeds,requiring further medical investigations 
• Babies requiring further investigations/monitoring requested by a member of the medical team

Our Role

We will support you in the care of your baby and monitor their general well-being and development. 

This will include:

• Weight and head circumference
• Baby examination 
• Safer sleep guidance
• Blood sampling if required e.g. jaundice, medication levels
• Clinical observations
• Signposting to other relevant agencies/ online support services 
• Be available by phone if you have any questions concerns between visits.

Questions & Answers

When do we visit?

We aim to visit within 48 hours of discharge from hospital. Further visits are arranged following discussion with the family.

How often do we visit?

The number of visits varies depending on the individual needs of each baby and family. 

If your baby needs further medical investigations, is nursed in oxygen, tube fed or if there are any concerns about your baby’s weight gain, we will continue for a longer period.

When will baby be discharged from our service?

This will be dependent on baby’s general wellbeing, growth and development. 

When baby is progressing well, we will transfer your baby’s care to your health visitor.

What if you have a problem at home

If your baby is unwell, please contact your GP.  If you need urgent help, call 999, or take your baby to the nearest Accident and Emergnecy department.

For non urgent advice

• Ring 111
• Contact your Local Pharmacy
• Contact your GP

Useful Links for you and your baby

www.basisonline.org.uk     www.lullabytrust.org.uk

www.sja.org.uk                   www.iconcope.org

www.bliss.org.uk           www.spoons.org.uk

 https://twintrust.org      https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/infection-and-illness/baby-check-app/