In 2011 Ireland’s inaugural benchmarking report on prematurity was published. The report called “Positive Steps for Prematurity” was the result of the collaborative efforts of Healthcare Professionals working in the field of Neonatal Care in Ireland with contributions from our Director of Advocacy and Policy Making, Mandy Daly. The report mapped the landscape of prematurity in Ireland and 5 key recommendations were identified that would improve the care delivered to our preterm infants in Ireland.
These recommendations were:
Develop and implement a targeted public policy on neonatal health, with the active engagement of healthcare professionals and parents.
Increase general awareness of prematurity (its health, social and economic implications).
Develop and implement a National Prevention and Screening Programme for high risk pregnancies.
Take active measures to improve neonatal workforce education and neonatal units staffing in order to meet international standards.
Extend the Neonatal Transport Programme to a 24 hr service to ensure adequate coverage and patient access to emergency and quality care as needed.
The report was included in the European Benchmarking Report. “Too Little Too Late” published by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI).The report provides an overview on the impact of preterm birth across Europe and paints a compelling picture of the differences that exist in levels of care and the lack of national health strategies concerning maternal and newborn health.
Read the report on efcni.org