Neonatal Intensive Care - Philosophy of Care

PRIMARY PURPOSES

• To reduce infant morbidity, mortality and to maximise long-term health and well-being through the provision of safe research based care.
• To improve and enhance the quality of life of all neonates cared for by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Team.

SECONDARY PURPOSES

• To promote good communications within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit multidisciplinary team.
• To promote a professional and conducive environment that generates and enhances family attachment.

AIMS

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will aim to achieve these primary and secondary purposes by:

• Providing carers with relevant and in-date training and education to include:
  • Nursing staff
  • Medical staff 
  • Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
  • Community Neonatal Service Team
  • Support Staff
    
• The provision of necessary support equipment plus associated technology relevant to dependency of care in accordance with the British Paediatric Association Guidelines.
  
• The evaluation of standards of care through audits of:
  • Clinical Practice Standards
  • Health and Safety Standards 
  • Education and Training 
  • Medical Protocols and Procedures
    
• Provision of an integrated Hospital Community Service thus enhancing the concept of shared care.
  
• Adherence to the professional codes of conduct.

COMMUNICATION

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will aim to promote good communication within the multidisciplinary team by:

• Ensuring that up to date, accurate and relevant information is given to the parents in the appropriate setting, allowing opportunity for discussion and questions.
  
• Ensuring individualised care is planned in conjunction with parents.
  
• The provision of support and information regarding community care for parents and their families following discharge.
  
• Disseminating accurate / timely information to staff thus ensure staff are fully informed through:
  • Team Brief
  • Staff Meetings
  • Queen Alexandra Hospital Link Report
  • Minutes and memoranda
    
• The keeping of accurate records of all neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through:
  • Care Planing
  • Patient Medical Records
  • Hospital Information Systems
  • Data collection
    
• Liaison with appropriate agencies throughout the neonate’s hospital stay in order to provide a seamless, integrated service.
  
• Provision of a staff counselling programme

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will aim to promote a healthy environment that enhances family attachment by:

• Provision of private rooms for consultation and counselling.
  
• Provision of a safe play area for siblings.
  
• Provision of a private area conducive to breast-feeding.
  
• Allow for dignity, cultural differences, different religions and ethical beliefs of the families associated with neonates.
  
• Provision of an environment conducive to promoting the wellbeing of neonates and their families by maintaining :
  • 24 hour visiting
  • A pleasant décor
  • Noise reduction
    
• Providing a safe and secure environment for staff / patients and their families through adherence to
  • Infection Control Policies
  • Fire Precautions
  • Manual Handling Policies
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Policies / Procedures and Guidelines
    
• Promoting health education through:
  • Participation in antenatal / postnatal education for parents
  • Provision of dietary advice
  • Provision of home care advice
  • Adequate preparation for discharge
  • Provision of Infection Control advice

STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

• The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will aim to provide opportunities for development through education and training thus achieving advancement of neonatal care.
  
• The Neonatal Unit will aim to provide research based education and training.
  
• The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will aim to provide opportunity / resources and facilities to enable staff development and training by the provision of :
  • Study leave
  • Relevant training to ensure competency / skill
  • Equipment seminars
  • A comprehensive, individualised orientation and training programme for all new staff
  • A mentoring programme to meet the needs of all staff
  • Support of staff development through annual Individual Performance Review