September 30, 2026 - 212 views
All neonatal units in Wales are now taking part in a programme designed to give parents a greater voice in the care of their premature or seriously ill babies.
The Bliss Baby Charter encourages neonatal teams to treat parents as essential partners, involving them in decisions about their baby's care and helping families to spend as much time as possible with their children.
Around 2,800 premature and sick babies in Wales need neonatal care every year. For their families, this can mean spending weeks or even months in hospital while also dealing with the pressures of everyday life.
Following funding of almost £100,000 from the Welsh Government to run a national improvement programme, every neonatal unit in Wales has now either achieved bronze accreditation under the Bliss Baby Charter or submitted for assessment.
One unit has already reached silver level, with three more preparing to follow.
The programme has led to improvements in facilities and support for families. At Prince Charles Hospital, for example, the neonatal unit has achieved bronze accreditation after making changes including providing a reclining chair beside each baby's cot or incubator.
Parents can also receive meal vouchers and have access to support around the clock, seven days a week.
Bliss is also developing bilingual resources and working to improve access to support for families who may face additional barriers because of distance, cost, language or disability.
Further Welsh Government funding this financial year will allow neonatal units to continue making improvements.
Deputy Minister for Women's Health Delyth Jewell said every premature or unwell baby should receive the best possible care, while families should be treated with dignity and compassion.
She said the progress demonstrated what could be achieved when families, healthcare professionals and health boards worked together.
The programme will continue to focus on listening to parents and helping neonatal units improve the experience of families during what can be an extremely difficult time.
