Warning over neonatal care
WALES’ sickest babies could be put at risk due to the “incredible pressure” placed on neonatal services, a stark new report has concluded.
Research published by leading charity Bliss found a “severe shortage” of neonatal nurses and doctors in Wales. It means units are not able to meet national standards on safety and quality of care for premature and sick babies.
It found more than half of units did not have enough medical staff to meet national standards. It also found that only two out of 10 neonatal units had enough nurses to staff all of their cots in line with national safety and quality standards.
This was attributed to a combination of insufficient investment in neonatal nurse posts and a shortage of children’s nurses across Wales.
In addition, just two out of 11 neonatal units were funded to have enough nurses with a specialist qualification in neonatal care, and all neonatal units identified difficulties with at least one aspect of nurse training and development.
Bliss chief executive Caroline Davey said: “Whilst there has been some welcome progress in the development of neonatal services in Wales in recent years, it is clear that units are still struggling to meet standards due to shortages of staff and barriers to training.
“Bliss’ new findings serve as a stark warning to the Welsh Government and health boards that they must provide additional investment to ensure that national standards for neonatal services are met.
“This investment must be made urgently to avoid neonatal services in Wales reaching breaking point, and to give premature and sick babies the best possible chance of survival and quality of life.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We expect health boards to work together to deliver appropriate and safe neonatal services, supported by WHSSC and the Neonatal Network. The latest MBRRACE report on neonatal outcomes shows that this is happening, with Wales performing better than other areas with comparable high levels of deprivation.
“The findings of the Bliss report will be used by the Neonatal Network to help all units reflect on, and plan, for any changes needed for the future.”