Tunbridge Wells neonatal unit attains Platinum Bliss Baby Charter accreditation

Staff at Tunbridge Wells neonatal unit began their Bliss Baby Charter journey back in 2012 and since then the team has worked its way through each of the stages to achieve the highest level of accreditation.

After assessing the unit, Bliss reported that staff at Tunbridge Wells neonatal unit are dedicated to providing the best possible service in line with the principles of family-centred care outlined in the Bliss Baby Charter. Many aspects of the unit’s care are impressive, with the following elements standing out:

• availability of a dedicated Family Support and Bereavement Lead Nurse and a Safeguarding Lead
• availability of an expert in development care with dedicated non-clinical hours enabling regular cot-side training for staff
• a clear action plan for future initiatives such as ‘birthday cuddles’ and undertaking more procedures on babies during skin-to-skin care
• efforts to maximise developmental care through ‘all time is quiet time’ policy
• ensuring that a baby’s care activities are centred around parent availability and the baby’s readiness (as opposed to clustering care activities)
• availability of support services for bereaved families, including memory boxes, butterflies on cots and a dedicated neonatal cold cot
• availability of accommodation for parents within the unit and the efforts of staff to ensure they are offered to parents who may need to rest during the day
• follow-ups with all parents post-discharge
• provision of free parking and food for parents
• excellent provision of staff wellbeing services, including wellbeing Wednesdays, access to occupational health, a staff support line and activities such as acupuncture and yoga classes
• support from senior medical and nursing staff in the form of staff debriefs following bereavement.