Being close to your child while they’re in hospital can make a world of difference.

Our facilities enable a parent or carer to stay overnight at their child’s bedside throughout their hospital stay.

This support extends to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Grace Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Westmead and Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Randwick.

Our new hospital buildings include single patient bedrooms, each with a dedicated parent or carer bed, offering more privacy and comfort for families. For units still located in the original buildings, a fold-out couch is available for overnight stays.

To help keep everyone safe, comfortable and supported, we have a few guidelines for overnight stays.

Who can stay?

• One parent or carer may stay overnight.
• Siblings are not permitted to stay overnight. If you're breastfeeding an infant sibling and need to discuss options, please speak with the Nurse Manager (business hours) or Hospital Coordinator (after hours).
• Overnight carers must be 16 years or older. If a parent is under 16, please speak with the Nurse Manager or Hospital Coordinator to ensure appropriate support.
• If someone other than a parent or legal guardian is staying, written consent from a parent is required, and this must be documented in the patient’s file and the Parent Register.
• Your details will be recorded nightly for security and emergency purposes.

What’s provided? 

• A parent/carer bed in new hospital rooms or a fold-out couch in current buildings.
• Clean linen will be provided by staff. Please make up your own bed.
• In new buildings, a private ensuite, storage space, and access to a patient entertainment system.
• In current buildings, access to shared parent bathrooms.

Intensive care stays

If your child is in intensive care (PICU, NICU, or CICU), we know this is a particularly stressful time. 

Our team is here to support you, but there are additional expectations to make sure everyone stays safe and respected.

You’ll receive a short orientation when your child is admitted. If there are ongoing concerns about behaviour, our nursing team will escalate to a senior staff member.

Expectations for all parents and carers staying overnight

• Be respectful. All staff must be treated with courtesy and kindness.
• One parent or carer overnight. In rare and urgent cases (e.g. critical illness or end-of-life care), both parents may be allowed to stay. These decisions are made in consultation with your child’s care team.
• Dress appropriately. Please wear suitable clothing, including pyjamas or sleepwear at night.
• If a parent/carer appears intoxicated, they won’t be allowed to stay. Security may be contacted if needed.
• Don’t touch medical equipment. This is for your child’s safety.
• Please don’t block access to clinical areas and keep belongings to a minimum.
• Only use power points in the parent zone of your room.
• No hot drinks at the bedside, even with a lid.
• No hot food at the bedside. Use a parent lounge to eat meals.
• Lighting decisions are clinical. Staff will do their best to create a restful environment, but lighting may need to stay on for medical reasons.

If you have any questions before or during your stay, please don’t hesitate to speak with your nurse or the Nurse Manager.