MSP wants to see delivery of better care for new babies

LIVINGSTON SNP MSP Angela Constance has called for improvements in Scotland's neonatal care after a charity revealed expectant mothers and newborn babies were being transferred hundreds of miles for vital care.

Special baby care charity Bliss claimed last week that more than 1,500 babies a year were subject to "inappropriate" transfers.

In a motion tabled at the Scottish Parliament, Ms Constance said too often babies and mothers needing care were transferred long distances from home due to staff shortages at more local units rather than because of medical need.

She praised nurses and doctors working in neonatal units for their "tireless" work but called for better support for families whose babies are admitted to a neonatal unit far away from the family home, including financial support and accommodation.