Baroness Amos has been selected to lead the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care to drive urgent improvements to care and safety.

This year is the 25th anniversary of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s neonatal outreach service, which provides a lifeline for many new parents when their babies are discharged with ongoing needs.

Maternity staff, local families and charity New Life have celebrated the opening of a dedicated neonatal transitional care area at the Great Western Hospital, that will boost family centred care.

An innovative project developed in partnership with the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is transforming care for newborn babies, helping families go home sooner. The NOAH initiative means that eligible babies can switch to oral antibiotics after as little as two days in hospital and continue treatment at home.

A secure user-friendly video service is keeping families in touch with their babies on neonatal units at King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital to support families who aren’t always able to be with their baby.

The generosity of local farmers is transforming the experience for families at Leighton Hospital's neonatal unit. Crewe Green Sunflowers is led by Alex and Simon Lewis whose children were both cared for on the unit. Visitors to the sunflower fields are invited to make donations to the hospital’s charity.

Reform of family services means thousands of mothers and babies will be able to access 24/7 support for breastfeeding.

Sandwell and Birmingham NHS Trust has purchased neonatal equipment from Central Medical Supplies for the new neonatal intensive care unit at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, which opened at the end of last year.

In June, 80 families came together with Paralympian Gemma Collis to take part in the Incubator Push event. The aim was raise the funds needed to buy an incubator, as part of a campaign by the Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity.

The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP have launched a rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to provide truth to families suffering harm and to urgently improve care and safety.

Brave employees from Fletchers Solicitors took on an unforgettable challenge on Saturday 7 June, diving with sharks at Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port to raise vital funds for Lia’s Wings, which provides air transport for babies and critically ill children.

Janine Dougan, retired Midwife and Health Visitor in Northern Ireland, has won the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care from Sands. The award aims to recognise the vital work done by midwives, nurses and other health professionals to care for parents affected by pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.