Charity warns of shortages threat to baby care

The annual review by baby care charity Bliss says services are being stretched to the limit, with a shortage of some 1,150 nurses across England.

The Government is warned that unless action is taken, vulnerable new-borns will continue to be denied the care they need.

Bliss's sixth annual Baby Report suggests specialist units looking after 70,000 babies every year are chronically understaffed, with only a third having enough nurses to meet the Department of Health's own minimum standards. More than half of these shortages are found in intensive care units.

A 2009 Government report, Toolkit for High Quality Neonatal Services, recommended neonatal units should have no more than 80 per cent of cots filled, to allow for occasional peaks in activity.

But research found that four in every five specialist centres were operating at a higher occupancy level than set out in the guidelines, with at least 100 per cent of cots full for at least a month during 2009.

In addition, three-quarters of units had to close to new admissions at one point last year.

Accommodation for parents was also insufficient, with an extra 250 rooms needed, Bliss said.

Andy Cole, chief executive of Bliss, said: "The vital care a tiny baby receives in the first few hours, days and weeks of life is crucial to their chance for a bright future. We now want to see the coalition Government set out their commitment and take action to transform these essential services.

Commenting on the report, Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "We welcome this report and are concerned that it is highlighting that services for the sickest babies are being stretched to breaking point."

Health Minister Anne Milton said: "Expert guidance from Nice and a valuable toolkit are available for all those working in this vital area and will help drive improvements and make a real difference to the lives of sick and premature babies who need neonatal care."