Northumbria neonatal unit achieves Gold Bliss Baby Charter accreditation

Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital's neonatal unit has been awarded Gold Bliss Baby Charter accreditation, becoming the first unit in the North East to achieve the standard. The independent accreditation recognises high standards of family-integrated care, supporting parents and carers to become active partners in their baby's care.

The Gold Bliss Baby Charter accreditation was presented on 6 July 2026 following an assessment in April, attended by unit staff and Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey.

The assessment highlighted the unit's support for families and staff, including access to a psychologist, free food vouchers for families and siblings during hospital stays, wellbeing areas for parents and staff, and opportunities for siblings, extended family and friends to spend time at the cot side. Siblings are also encouraged to practise caring for babies using dolls.

Parents are supported through donated mobile phones for those without access to one, digital information and support, and developmental care packs provided on discharge, including activities and a blanket.

Jane Stirton, Advanced Neonatal Clinical Practitioner and Bliss project lead at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are incredibly proud to receive this Gold Bliss Baby Charter accreditation, which reflects the dedication of our team to embedding family-centred care in everything we do.

"With support from Bliss and our Trust's Bright charity, we have created a welcoming environment where parents are at the heart of their baby's care, with improved family spaces, privacy screens and tablets to help families stay connected, for example through video messaging if they are separated while mum receives treatment.

"We encourage parents to be active partners in their baby's care, building confidence through practical support such as feeding and temperature checks. It helps them feel better prepared for going home. This award recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting families during what can be a very challenging time."

Dr Sangeeta Tiwary, Child Health Consultant at Northumbria Healthcare, added: "Achieving Gold – the first in the North East – is a significant milestone for our neonatal team, reflecting their dedication and expertise. The assessors recognised not only the exceptionally high standards of clinical care, compassion and kindness, but also our partnership approach with parents and carers.”