Neonatal Care: Parental Accommodation

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, asked the Minister for Secondary Care, Karin Smyth, what steps the government will take to increase the number of accommodation units available for parents whose babies have been admitted to neonatal care units. In her response, the Minister acknowledged the importance of the issue and the fact that three out of four parents are currently unable to stay with their critically ill babies overnight. She informed the House that NHS England had recently concluded a review of neonatal estates, and that the findings of this review would be used to inform the next steps. The Minister expressed the government's determination to support parents in being involved in every aspect of their baby's care. Ribeiro-Addy followed up, highlighting research from the charity Bliss which found that for every 10 babies who need to stay overnight in neonatal care, there is only one room available for a parent to stay with them. She asked the Minister how she will ensure that the existing guidance about facilities for families is followed, and how she will ensure that trusts can access the resources they need to stop the separation of babies and their parents. The Minister acknowledged the shocking state of the estate, as described by Ribeiro-Addy, and promised to look at the findings of the NHS review very quickly, stating that she would be happy to provide further information to the MP. Jim Shannon, the DUP MP for Strangford, intervened to emphasize that the issue is not just about accommodation, but also about providing physical and emotional help for mothers who have been through traumatic circumstances. He asked what will be done to ensure that mothers and babies have all the help they need. The Minister agreed that the point about mental health support in that critical period is a really important one, and assured the House that this will be looked at.