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Consistent staffing 'reduces premature baby death'

01/02/2008

Consistent staffing, resources and treatment policies can bring about declines in the death rate of the most premature babies, researchers argue today.

The claim follows a study showing survival rates for the most premature babies at a London hospital have more than doubled over a 20-year period.

During that time more staff were employed and state-of-the-art technology brought in.

Overall survival rates for infants born between 22 and 25 weeks and admitted to the neonatal unit at University College London hospital (UCLH) increased from 32 per cent in 1981 to 71 per cent in 2000.

About eight per cent of the 670,000 births each year in the UK are 'preterm' and these infants are usually cared for in specialist neonatal units.

Significant advances in neonatal medicine over the last 20 years mean that these infants have a better chance of survival.

But researchers at University College London and UCLH say other factors also play a vital role.

Professor John Wyatt said studies such as the latest research "are hugely important because they provide information on the survival rates that can be achieved with consistent levels of staffing and resources, and with consistent policies".

Dr Jane Hawdon, UCLH clinical director for women's health, commented: "These results are down to the joint working of skilled and specialist teams in maternity and neonatal care including the establishment of perinatal networks so the right babies are cared for in the right place.

"UCLH significantly increased its resources for providing neonatal care between 1981 and 2000, which included employing more staff and bringing in state-of-the-art equipment."

Dr Hawdon added: "Technical advances in neonatal care - such as improved ventilation and nutrition - have also contributed, as has the close communication between the maternity and neonatal teams so you can plan the best time of delivery for mother and baby."