Some Neonatal Care Moves To England

First Minister Carwyn Jones has said that the care for the most premature babies in North Wales will take place in England, at Arrowe Park on the Wirral.

The First Minister ordered a review by a team from the Royal College of Paediatricans earlier this year with the intention of reporting back by September, however the full findings were only revealed today.

Currently two hospitals in North Wales provide specialist neonatal care, namely Glan Clwyd hospital in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor hospital. The move to Arrowe Park means those using Wrexham’s service now face a 35 mile journey.

The review also said there needs to be a “significant investment” in neonatal services in North Wales to make sure “the vast majority of infants continue to receive their medical care in Wales”.

It is probable that any changes proposed could take effect in two months time, and the vast majority of babies needing the services of the Maelors Special Care Baby Unit will continue to receive their care in the Wrexham SCBU, as will those babies initially cared for at Arrowe Park once they are well enough to return to the local unit.