Inadequate services putting ill babies at risk
Report cites shortage of neonatal unit medics
on neonatal services in Northern Ireland are putting the lives of sick and vulnerable babies at risk, charities claim.
A report says a shortage of neonatal nurses and doctors here means children’s units are not equipped to ensure the highest safety standards and quality of care for premature and ill babies at all times.
The Bliss and Tiny Life Northern Ireland baby report 2018 will be launched at Stormont.
It states that medical staff are having to make difficult decisions such as closing cots to new admissions in an effort to maintain safe working practices because of scant resources.
Key findings include:
• Over half of neonatal units do not have enough nurses to meet minimum standards.
• 55% of the nursing shortfall can be attributed to inadequate funding for recruitment.
• Five out of seven neonatal units here have difficulties with at least one aspect of nurse training and development.
• Five units have no dedicated access to a mental health professional. of the nursing shortfall
is attributed to inadequate funding for
recruitment
• Four units do not have enough medical staff in post to meet minimum standards.
• No units have a neonatal community outreach service to support families after discharge.
Caroline Lee-Davey, chief executive of Bliss, said: “Neonatal services in Northern Ireland are facing a number of serious challenges which are severely affecting the care of the 1,800 babies born premature or sick in the country every year. The DepartPRESSURES ment of Health must invest in neonatal care so that neonatal units are able to recruit and properly train their staff.
“Without this investment, neonatal services across Northern Ireland will be facing a crisis in years to come, putting the most vulnerable babies at risk.”
The Department of Health said it would give careful consideration to the report. “The department looks to the Health and Social Care (HSC) Board and the HSC Trusts to provide assurance on the quality of care of neonatal services provided in our hospitals and would wish to assure the public that they can have confidence in the neonatal services provided by the HSC,” it said.
“Every day staff work extremely hard to ensure a safe service is provided to the babies in their care. The Neonatal Network Northern Ireland continues to make a major contribution to ensure babies receive the right care in the right place, at the right time and from the right staff.
“Safety remains of paramount importance at all times and we will continue to seek assurance from the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts on the provision of safe and effective neonatal care.”