Trust warning neonatal situation is ‘going to get worse’ in coming months

By Roisin Henderson

THE CRISIS situation at the SWAH neonatal unit is only going to get worse in the coming months, according to the head of the Western Trust.

As reported by the Herald in recent weeks, the number of beds at the SWAH’s neonatal unit was cut from six specialist cots to two before Christmas. This has meant the Enniskillen hospital can only currently provide emergency care and stabilisation for premature and sick babies.

This has resulted in any babies who require ongoing care having to be transferred away from SWAH to other hospitals in Derry, Belfast, and even Dublin, whenever no neonatal provision is available in the North.

The Western Trust has said the current situation is a result of staffing issues at the unit, and warned these issues are set to worsen instead of improving.

In fact, the indications given by chief executive Neil Guckian at the February meeting of the Western Trust board suggested even the emergency and stabilisation service currently being provided at the SWAH may now be under threat.

“The neonatal unit has been the subject of interest from media, elected representatives, and correspondence from Fermanagh and Omagh Council,” said Mr Guckian.

“Neonatal nurse staffing remains critical with unfilled senior experienced nurse position. This is expected to worsen in the coming months as two further qualified and specialty neonatal nurses retire.”

Mr Guckian continued: “The unit is dependant on retired staff and unit staff working additional shifts in order to deliver emergency and stabilisation neonatal services to babies born in SWAH.

“Despite this, many shifts remain uncovered, with one neonatal nurse present and back up provided by a midwife, paediatric nurse, or healthcare assistant.

“Although midwives will have newborn life support training, there are gaps in provision of ongoing care and stabilisation of newborn babies.”

Mr Guckian said the Trust was trying to resolve the situation.

“The Trust has tried to recruit to a variety of positions with no success. There is a regional and national shortage of nurses qualified as specialty neonatal nurses,” he said.

“The director of women and children’s services has established a project management structure to review the current situation and develop improvements including a national recruitment and communications strategy.

“The first meeting took place on February 2nd with regard the Health and Social Care Board, the PHA, and local commissions and nursing staff. It has been agreed that a user reference group will be established with links to Pathfinder.

“We will continue to work closely with the Health and Social Care Board and the PHA, and our neonatology colleagues to try to resolve the current and future staffing difficulties.”