Better care to be delivered to at-risk babies

Published on Friday 15 May 2009 22:05

A SWEEPING review of Scotland's specialist infant care units was announced yesterday by the Scottish government.

The improvements will follow recommendations from a group of experts, amid serious concerns that the existing system is not fit for purpose.

Staff shortages at specialist care units mean vulnerable babies and their parents have at times had to travel hundreds of miles for lifesaving treatment.

A report published last autumn by Bliss, the premature baby charity, found that almost half of the country's neonatal units regularly operate above their recommended capacity, with many forced to suspend new admissions on at least one day a month.

Trends suggest the need for such services is likely to increase in the future, due to a projected rise in birth rates.

Public health minister Shona Robison said she was seeking "immediate assurances" from NHS officials on staffing levels, and pledged that mothers and babies will face fewer long-distance transfers in future. The recommendations, from senior paediatricians, midwives and premature baby specialists, have been accepted by the government in full.

Work will now begin on commissioning a review on the value of a centralised national "bed bureau", to be used whenever a pregnant woman or newborn needs to be transferred.

A feasibility study will also be launched into a specialised transport service for babies.

Three regional networks will be established, which will assess needs for special care cots.

Counselling services will also be made available, along with a financial support network for those parents forced to travel far from their home.

The report, by the neonatal services sub-group of the Maternity Services Action Group, found that although there were 347 cots at 16 neonatal units throughout the country, only 306 were staffed.

Announcing the measures, Ms Robison said: "The care of our most vulnerable babies is already of the highest quality, and we're pleased to accept all of the recommendations of the expert sub-group in full so that we can make it even better.

"Planning and organisation are important. Neighbouring hospitals working together makes better sense for babies, parents and staff, while looking at changes to our transfers and admissions should mean real benefits for mums and babies.

"As the report recommends, we will seek immediate assurances from boards that they have adequate staffing not only for patient care but for staff training, and to respond to peaks in demand with minimal transfers. A workload planning tool will be introduced this year to identify staffing needs."

Bliss chief executive Andy Cole welcomed the findings of the review and said the introduction of regionally managed clinical networks should "greatly improve" the co-ordination of services.

He said: "The recommendation to meet one-to-one nursing for babies in intensive care is a hugely positive step.

"However, this must be fully implemented and it is crucial that any regional variation in staffing standards is addressed.

"The impact on families at this difficult and stressful time can be great and we particularly welcome the recommendation for developing counselling services, better family facilities at hospitals and a financial support system for parents who are moved a long way from their local area."