We cosigned an open letter calling for investment in neonatal services ahead of the spending review. The letter, which was published in The Guardian, says:
“Services for England’s sickest babies are under extreme pressure (Staff shortages ‘putting vulnerable babies at risk’, 19 October). A recent report from Bliss found that 2,140 more neonatal nurses are needed to meet national standards, and two-thirds of neonatal units need more doctors. This is largely due to a lack of funding for services to meet standards set out by the Department of Health and NHS back in 2009. Six years on, most services are no closer to meeting these standards. To mark World Prematurity Day (17 November), UK baby charities and health professional bodies have come together to call on the chancellor to use the comprehensive spending review on 25 November to invest in neonatal care. If we invest properly in services for premature and sick babies today, we can expect more babies not only to survive, but also to have reduced care needs, giving a better future to them and their families, while also delivering savings over the long term.”
It is signed by:
Caroline Davey CEO, Bliss
Jane Fisher Director, Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC)
Ann Chalmers CEO, Child Bereavement UK
Munira Oza Director, Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Jane Plumb CEO, Group B Strep Support
Jane Denton Director, Multiple Births Foundation
Professor Neena Modi President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Judith Abela Acting CEO, Sands
Francine Bates CEO, The Lullaby Trust
Ruth Bender-Atik National director, The Miscarriage Association
Barbara Gelb CEO, Together for short lives
Keith Reed CEO, Twins and multiple birth association (Tamba)
See the letter online at http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/nov/17/neonatal-care-services-need-investment-now
