Percy Philips Postnatal Ward or Mendip Transitional Care Ward
We welcome you to stay on the ward overnight to support your partner/companion. There are recliner chairs for you to rest or sleep on overnight. If you cannot stay, our team of midwives and maternity care assistants will support your partner/companion.
The food on the wards is reserved for patients. If you would like a hot meal, you are welcome to arrange a delivery to the security office.
To keep a safe and comfortable environment for all, we ask you to agree to the conditions outlined below before staying overnight. We may ask you to sign a document saying this. This includes adherence to local policies on health and safety, fire safety, and infection control.
Other children cannot stay overnight.
Safety
- Please sign in when you enter the ward in case of a fire or evacuation.
- If the fire alarm rings, follow the instructions from the ward staff.
- Do not take your baby off the ward at any time.
- Wear non-slip shoes/slippers.
- Please be courteous and respectful of other women on the ward by staying with your partner while you are on the ward.
- Use the chair at the bedside to sit in – some of these recline.
- Linen (e.g. sheets and towels) are for patients only.
Security
- You cannot leave the ward between 22:00 and 08:00.
- If you feel you are likely to be able to leave during this time, please visit your partner in the day.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Trust grounds.
- We may decline a partner/companion staying if there are concerns about the safety of mothers, babies, and staff on the ward.
- North Bristol Trust operates a Zero Tolerance policy on violent, disruptive, or aggressive behaviour and security will be called to assist at any time if you are asked to leave but refuse.
Infection control
- Do not sleep in the bed with your partner.
- Linen (e.g. sheets and towels) are for patients only.
- Do no sleep in any vacant bends. These may be occupied by a new patient at any time during the day or night.
- Do not sleep on the floor – this space must be kept clear in case of an emergency.
- We do not recommend sleeping with the baby in the bed or reclining chair. Cots are provided for babies. (For more information visit (Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS).
- Use hand gel when entering the ward. Wash your hands before and after you help care for the mother or baby.
Dignity, noise, and facilities
- Remain fully dressed while on the ward. We wish to preserve the dignity and privacy of everyone, including staff.
- Keep noise levels down and turn mobile phones to silent between 22:00 and 07:00.
- There is a designated toilet for visitors. Please do not use any other toilet or washing facilities.
- Hot drinks are available, we kindly ask you to make a small donation in one of the boxes on the ward.
How you can support your partner
- Nappy changes.
- Help your partner move about.
- Make refreshments.
- Keep the bedspace tidy.
- Take photos of the early days.
- Tend to your baby so your partner can get some well-deserved rest.
- Give your partner reassurance.
- Remember, the team are here to help
We welcome any feedback you have about your experience on the ward, and there are QR codes around the ward to do this.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published October 2025. Review due October 2028. NBT003814.