Parent accommodation, neonatal care leave and expenses

GGC Neonatal
NHS GGC

Neonatal Care Leave and Statutory Neonatal Care Pay

In the UK you and your partner may be able to get paid time off work if your newborn baby is premature or sick and needs neonatal care.

‘Neonatal care’ is the name given to care for newborn babies which starts in the first 28 days after birth. This may be for:

  • hospital care
  • medical care after leaving hospital - this must be under a consultant and include ongoing visits or checks arranged by the hospital where your baby was treated
  • palliative or end of life care

You may be able to get:

  • Neonatal Care Leave
  • Statutory Neonatal Care Pay

You can get one week’s leave for every 7 full and continuous days your baby is in neonatal care, for up to 12 weeks.

You get Neonatal Care Pay and Leave in addition to other parental pay and leave entitlements. If you’re already on maternity leave or adoption leave, Neonatal Care Leave must be taken at the end of that entitlement.

There are rules about when you can take your leave and how to claim.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official GOV.UK page:

Neonatal Care Pay and Leave: Overview - GOV.UK

If you have any questions or need further help please ask the staff within the neonatal unit or contact the family support and information services on:

 

Information you can direct your employers to:

Statutory Neonatal Care Pay and Leave: employer guide: Overview - GOV.UK

Neonatal care leave and pay: employers' technical guide - GOV.UK

Parent accommodation and expenses

For parents who live large distances from the hospital we have limited access to accommodation within the surrounding area. If you feel that you may need this please speak to the nurse looking after your baby and they will make arrangements for this.

Prior to your baby going home we may offer you the opportunity to room in with your baby in our rooming in room located within the neonatal unit. This is normally reserved for babies within 48 hours of discharge.

The Scottish Government Young Patient Family Fund (YPFF) also provide expenses for families who currently have a baby on a neonatal unit. More information can be found here. Paper copies of forms are also available in the neonatal unit - ask the clerkess.

You can find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the YPFF here.

For help with completing the required expenses forms please speak to the nurse in charge or the ward clerkess.

Facilities for parents

There is a parent’s sitting room and kitchen available with a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. A fridge is also available to store food and juice. Please date and label all items.

The main hospital has a coffee shop at the entrance serving sandwiches, paninis etc. There is also a newsagents and vending machines. Additionally a restaurant is located at the back of the main hospital serving hot food (please note this closes at 2pm)

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 07/10/2025

Next review date: 31/10/2027

Approved By: RAH Neonatal Team