Welsh neonatal units 'put vulnerable babies at risk'
An assembly health committee report has found that vulnerable babies in Wales are at risk from understaffed, ill-equipped and over-capacity hospital facilities. It calls for the assembly government to address high occupancy rates and severe understaffing.
The inquiry by the assembly's health, wellbeing and local government committee found that occupancy rates in some units were double the recommended level at 140%.
The committee heard evidence of units being closed due to over-capacity, and one mother and her premature baby being separated because her baby had to be transferred to provide space for another.
According to the report, the all-Wales neonatal standards - a vision for services for special care babies and their families - are not being met, and more funding is needed for this to change.
Zoe from Cardiff had two babies born prematurely, Jacob at 29 weeks and Sonny at 26 weeks. She said the thought of having to travel to England to have Sonny was worrying. "Worryingly the night before he was born the closest bed for him would have been in Manchester, so we were a bit concerned, but fortunately a bed became available for him the next day."
Commenting on the report Mr Millar said the growing birth rate and increased survival rates for premature babies were placing continued pressure on neonatal units. "The birth of a child is a magical, miraculous event, but if a baby is born too early, it can be an extremely difficult, emotional and stressful time for a family," he said.
"At present 33,000 babies are born in Wales each year and it is estimated that approximately 3,800 are admitted to the 13 neonatal units in Wales. All babies deserve the best possible start in life, and the care that premature babies receive can have a profound effect on the rest of their lives."
He added that the committee hoped that its recommendations would lead to an improved service for the most vulnerable babies and their families.
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
• Look at the way ambulances work on neonatal transfers
• Establish a cot locator system
• Address shortfall in medical and nursing staff
• Ensure better working between neonatal and maternity services
• Develop a plan to deliver All Wales Neonatal Standards
• Review arrangements for cross-border patients transfers
Medical negligence solicitor Susan Brown from Thames Valley based law firm Boyes Turner said: “It is very concerning to note the findings of the Welsh Assembly health committee report. Babies requiring specialist care following birth are extremely vulnerable to a number of very serious complications which if not properly treated can result in brain injury. We act for a number of babies and young children who have suffered brain damage as a result of failings in the care provided during their birth and also failings in the care they received in the first few hours, days and weeks of life.”
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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