A report this week published by Bliss, a UK charity working to support premature and sick babies and their families, has found that neonatal services in England are under-staffed, under pressure and not meeting the national standards on safe staffing levels for premature and sick babies.
Demand for neonatal care is rising and thought to be due to an increase in fertility rates, an increase in the survival of very premature babies and the availability of assisted conception. Statistics show that one in 9 babies in England requires neonatal care.
The ‘Bliss Baby Report 2015: Hanging in the Balance’ was prepared following research into 101 of the 161 neonatal units across England. Whilst the report praised the work of the nurses and doctors in neonatal care, it found that they and their resources are being put under great pressure and are significantly over-stretched and unable to cope.
In 2009, the Government set out plans for how neonatal care should be organised and delivered. However, the Bliss report shows that there is a shortage of neonatal nurses and doctors. The report raises concerns that in reality the neonatal care services in England are falling even further behind on quality and safety and that the shortfall in funding means that units are unable to meet the standards set.
Key findings in the report include:
- Units are not meeting national standards on safe staffing levels for premature and sick babies. The report suggests that, in order to meet these standards, a further 2,140 nurses are required.
- 64% of units do not have enough nurses and two thirds don’t have enough doctors to meet national standards because of a severe lack of funding.
- One third of units were not able to provide overnight accommodation for the parents of ill babies or those living far away from the hospital.
- Government set national standards recommend that it is not safe for units to be running at higher than 80% occupancy on average, but over two thirds of neonatal intensive care units are consistently caring for more babies than this.
- Plans must also be put in place to address skills shortages so that babies are consistently receiving the best care.
Bliss Chief Executive, Caroline Davey, said
“This must be a wake-up call for policy-makers and healthcare commissioners to take action. This unprecedented shortage is putting babies’ safety, survival and long term development at risk. If serious investment is not made, services will be facing a crisis in years to come. It needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, so that every baby has the best possible chance of survival and of having a full and healthy life.”
However, a spokesperson for NHS England was reported as saying that the standards of neonatal care in England were ‘on a par’ with other European countries despite increased demand and said:
“We will consider the recommendations of the report and continue to work closely with Bliss and others to improve neonatal services, ensuring every premature or sick baby receives the best possible care.”
The Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals at the Care Quality Commission, Professor Edward Baker, said the report:
“echoes what we found on some of our inspections” and that “Where we have found concerns we have told trusts to make improvements. We expect trusts to look at staffing in a sophisticated way focused on the quality of care, patient safety and efficiency, rather than just crude ratios of one group of staff. We are currently looking at the quality of neonatal care as part of a national review to see how trusts care for newborn infants with deteriorating health; particularly how successful services are at working together.”
Comment
It is obviously hugely concerning that the resources available for sick and premature babies are inadequately funded and therefore being stretched too far. Such significant pressure on these important services risks putting the lives of some of the most vulnerable of patients in danger. Services cannot continue to stretch in this way in order to cope with ever-rising demand.
It is now vital that consideration is given as to how the situation can be improved to ensure that all patients are receiving the best possible care.
How Nelsons Can Help
Danielle Young is an Associate in our specialist Medical Negligence team. Contact Danielle or another member of the team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form and they will be happy to discuss our services with you.