Meeting of the Parliament 30 April 2025
I have taken two interventions already, so I would just like to continue.
I thank all neonatal units, which are committed to the Bliss baby charter, and I thank Bliss for championing and supporting on-going improvements in care. The changes that the units are making to provide the best care possible for those babies and their families are extremely commendable.
Our expectations remain clear that all women, at all times, receive high-quality, person-centred maternity care that is tailored to their needs, with quality and safety for mothers and babies central to decision making. I reassure members that, although the decision has been made, we have created opportunities to listen to parents and families as we develop plans for implementation. The Scottish Government, with the support of Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Bliss, has consulted families via an online survey and focus groups.
In closing, I reiterate that I have listened to national clinical experts, to parents of babies in neonatal care and to maternity and neonatal staff across Scotland. I am assured that the move to the new model of neonatal care will deliver the best outcomes for those very smallest and sickest babies.
I thank everyone who has taken time to speak with us. Their experience is, and will continue to be, invaluable as we take forward our work, working collaboratively to plan, deliver and transform services that are critical in delivering the best care for pregnant women, newborn babies, partners and families in Scotland.