Meeting of the Parliament 30 April 2025
I thank those members who have taken part in the debate. Like other members, I thank Meghan Gallacher for bringing the debate to the chamber, and I note that my door is always open for her to meet me.
Today’s discussion provides me with the opportunity to update Parliament on the progress towards implementing the new model of neonatal care. First, I commend—as other members have—the 15 incredible neonatal units that we have in Scotland, which provide, and will continue to provide, invaluable neonatal care for the babies who require it.
In each of the units that I have visited, I have been hugely impressed by the dedication of staff and the support that they provide for families in those most difficult times. The parents’ stories of the care and compassion that they have received from staff in all parts of Scotland are truly inspiring.
It is important to set out why the “Best Start” report recommended this change, and why we are moving forward with it. The report, which was based on expert clinical evidence, found that outcomes for the very smallest and sickest babies are best when they are cared for in neonatal intensive care units with high-volume throughput, and where there are co-located specialist services such as neonatal surgery.
To put it simply, the clinical advice is that making this change will improve those tiny babies’ chances of survival. Based on the number of those babies born in Scotland, three neonatal intensive care units would be the optimum model for Scotland. It is important to stress—