Written Question·Department of Health and Social Care·UIN 43394

Baby Care Units

Tabled: 1 April 2025

Answered: 8 April 2025

Question

Ayoub Khan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) availability and (b) quality of overnight accommodation for parents in neonatal units.

Answer

Karin Smyth

We understand that not all neonatal estates allow parents to be fully involved in their babies' care, and the impact this has on providing the appropriate level of care to meet a baby's needs.

NHS England has conducted a survey to understand compliance with current estates standards, which includes the requirements for neonatal parental accommodation. This information will inform future investment decisions regarding maternity and neonatal estates.