This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Charity survey unveils gaps in NHS baby transfer service
According to a survey by Bliss, there are a number of gaps in NHS services designed to help sick and premature babies.
The survey suggested neonatal transport services in the UK were understaffed and under-resourced, with some babies having to wait extended periods of time to receive care. Figures show around 16,000 babies are transferred between hospitals in the UK each year using 17 dedicated transfer services.
The vehicles are furnished with high tech incubators and resuscitation equipment and are run by specially trained staff. However, according to Bliss’s survey six out of 11 transfer services appeared to contain gaps in their staff rotas.
Professor Neena Modi, leader of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, maintained that staff shortages were a long-term issue that affected neonatal care, along with substantial funding cuts.
"Delay in transfer can seriously adversely affect a baby's chances of a good outcome, so this is completely unacceptable for a modern health service."
An NHS England spokesperson said: “Despite increasing demand, studies consistently show standards of NHS neonatal care are equivalent to other European countries.
"We continue to work across the health service to improve neonatal services, ensuring every premature or sick baby achieves the best outcomes and care within the resources available."
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