An update on improving neonatal care services in the North West

The NHS is continuing its work to improve neonatal care services for babies and their families across the North West. The programme is reviewing how services can be made safer, more consistent and sustainable for the future, ensuring that babies receive the highest quality specialist care regardless of where they live. Evidence highlighted in the programme's Case for Change shows that many neonatal units do not currently meet national activity standards and that there is variation in the specialist care available across the region.

A key part of this work has been extensive staff and parent/carer engagement. At the start of this year, NHS staff working in and alongside neonatal services took part in listening sessions to share their experiences and views. This was followed by focus groups and one-to-one discussions with parents and carers to understand their experiences of neonatal care, what is working well, and where improvements could be made.

The feedback showed broad support for the case for change and the principle of providing more specialist care through fewer centres, while also highlighting the importance of considering the impact on families, including travel, accommodation costs and time spent apart from their babies. The findings from this engagement work have been brought together in an insight report that will help shape the next phase of planning. 

You can read more about this, including links to the Case for Change and the report on the engagement with staff, parents and carers, on our website.