Audit tool can help to standardise neonatal rights and family-centred care.

An Audit tool to improve family-centred care in neonatal units has received a department of Health grant to further work aimed at changing practice to ensure the best outcomes for babies and families. One third of neonatal units in England have registered an interest in using the new Bliss Baby Charter audit tool, and one fifth are already implementing it. the tool draws on the principles registered in the Bliss Baby Charter of 2005, which outlined the rights of a sick or pre-term baby for the first time, and outlined the care, respect and support these vulnerable babies need. ‘Much focus has been put on improving the clinical care that babies receive, especially increasing the appropriate number of specialist staff to be able to provide high quality care,’ says Bliss chief executive Andy Cole. ‘the Baby Charter standards complement these by highlighting the importance of many other facets of care. Clinical and family-centred care must work hand in hand to provide these babies with the very best opportunity to survive and thrive.’