Facilities

Getting to Bedford Hospital South Wing

Bedford Hospital South Wing is situated near the town centre in Bedford. The address for the South Wing site of the hospital is:

Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ

Meadowbank, our Neonatal Unit, can be found in Cynet Wing. 

Car Parking

Bedford Hospital South Wing is situated near the town centre in Bedford. There are three main entrances to the hospital site, all of which have car parks:

• Via Ampthill Road (A&E and Outpatients department)
• Via Britannia Road
• Via Kempston Road

For more information please visit our car parking information and tariff page.

NNU parent(s)/carer(s) are entitled to one week free parking following one week paid.

Travelling by Bicycle

There are covered cycle stores by the Kempston Road entrance and in front of the Cygnet Wing. There are also numerous other cycle locking points around the site. There are cycle paths leading to the hospital from Kempston along Bedford Road and from the south of Bedford along the Ampthill Road.

Bus Services

There are several bus services from the local area that stop at Bedford Hospital, including routes 1 (Kempston), 2 (Elstow Park and Ride), 42 (Flitwick), 53 (Wootton) and 68 (Stewartby). Many buses from other local towns and villages also stop at Bedford Bus Station, from where you can catch the number 1 bus service to the Hospital. A bus information kiosk can be found in the foyer of the Kempston Road entrance, which provides real time bus arrival time information with maps and timetables. A free copy of the Bedford Bus Guide can also be obtained from the Kempston Road reception. For further details of bus services, including timetables, please visit the main operators’ websites at www.stagecoachbus.com or www.grantpalmer.com. There are several other bus operators serving the area. For details of these as well as an additional bus and public transport information, please visit the Bedford Borough Council website at www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/public_transport.aspx.

Park & Ride

The Elstow Park and Ride bus service, which provides free parking and stops directly outside the hospital, operates from 7am until 11pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am until 5.15pm on a Sunday, with buses running approximately every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday and hourly on a Sunday.

Train Services

Bedford railway station, on the main line from London St. Pancras, through Luton to the East Midlands, is about half a mile from the hospital (a 10-15 minute walk or a short taxi ride away). A smaller unmanned station, Bedford St. Johns, on the Marston Vale line from Bletchley, is about a five-minute walk from the hospital. Please note that there are steps to the main road and no taxi service from this station. For further details of train services, including a journey planner, please visit the National Rail website.

Safety and Security

Doors to NNU are locked at all times. To gain access, please use the doorbell and a member of staff will release the door. Please be patient at busy times, we will open the door as quickly as possible. You may be asked to identify yourself; this is a safety precaution so that we are aware of who is visiting at all times. Regarding visiting please see current Visiting information. The Trust is not responsible for loss of valuables and personal belongings. Lockers are available at the parent(s)/carer(s) sitting room where you can hang your outside coats.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are allowed on the unit, but we will ask that they used in the corridor or parent(s)/carer(s) room. Video recording staff and other babies is strictly prohibited.

Meals

We understand the difficulties of leaving the unit for meals, but we urge parent(s)/carer(s) to take regular breaks, to eat well and drink plenty of fluids. There is Swannery restaurant in the main block of the hospital and bistro and vending machine on main block corridor and on the first floor opposite antenatal clinic. In addition, mums that are staying here all day, especially breastfeeding can go to postnatal ward and have a meal there. If you choose to bring your own food in please clearly label with your name and date and place in the fridge in the parent(s)/carer(s) sitting room.

Parent(s)/carer(s)/family facilities

We have parent(s)/carer(s) sitting area with small kitchen space to make a coffee or tea. Also, we have 2 parent(s)/carer(s) rooms available and zed beds for cubicles, in the unit for anyone that needs it free of charge. However, please be aware that availability of these rooms is limited and you may be asked to leave at short notice if needed. We encourage parent(s)/carer(s) to stay overnight with their baby prior to going home.

Parent(s)/carer(s) Support

We understand, that for many parent(s)/carer(s) the first few days, weeks, or months with premature or sick baby are extremely tough. The staff on the unit are experienced in supporting families in your situation and will always find time to explain things to you. There is limited help available for families experiencing financial difficulties, therefore please see our staff to find out if we can help or point you in the right direction.

Bliss is a charitable organisation for babies born too small, too sick, too soon, and offers a wide range of information booklets and support for families. Contact: www.bliss.org.uk for information, interactive message board and Dad’s Forum.

Free phone 0800 801 0322

There is information on local and national breast feeding support in the family room

The Chaplaincy Team

The Chaplaincy team is here for people of all faiths, as well as those who have none, and can also make contact with religious leaders appropriate to your faith tradition. They will visit anyone if asked and are happy to discuss spiritual issues, baptisms, naming ceremonies or any other concerns. There is multi-faith chapel complex within the hospital. To contact us call 01234 355122 Extn. 5901 and if you have to leave a message we will respond as soon as possible or email chaplaincy@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk.