Scotland has launched a new model of neonatal intensive care for the highest risk pre-term babies.
Three specialist intensive care neonatal units for babies born at highest risk will be based at Aberdeen Maternity Unit, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The units will provide care for babies born at less than 27 weeks, lighter than 800 grams or who need complex life support.
The Best Start Report recommended the new model of neonatal intensive care and it is based on evidence that care for babies at highest risk is safest in units which can treat a high volume of patients.
Neonatal units in Ninewells in Dundee, Princess Royal Maternity in Glasgow, Wishaw General, Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock will continue as local neonatal units to provide neonatal care for their populations.
Women’s health minister Jenni Minto said: “These three Neonatal Intensive Care Units will offer the most specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies. Local neonatal units will continue to offer care to babies who need it, including a level of neonatal intensive care, and no neonatal units are closing as part of these plans. This decision has been made in line with advice from expert clinicians.
“I would like to thank all of those who have worked with us to look at how we can best deliver the changes recommended by the Best Start Report and will offer increased care for those who need it most, before they are able to return to one of our other excellent local neonatal units across the country.”
Lesley Jackson, clinical lead for the Scottish neonatal network and a Consultant Neonatologist in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “I very much welcome this change to the provision of neonatal intensive care, which will enable clinical teams to deliver the best outcomes for the smallest and sickest babies born in Scotland. The neonatal community is committed to working collaboratively to deliver the new model of neonatal care for our patients and families.”
Image by Rainer Maiores from Pixabay
