The neonatal dietetic service has had a major impact since its launch two years ago.
In a comparison of January to June 2022 and the same months in 2024, data underlines the success of the initiative to provide nutrition to tiny, unwell babies.
Neonatal admissions to paediatric wards dropped nearly 60 per cent, admissions due to feeding issues reduced by 24 per cent and faltering growth on readmission went down by 20 per cent.
The service is delivered by neonatal dietitians Louise Gibson, Pamela Caldwell and Fiona Midwinter, providing tailored dietetic care across the neonatal intensive care unit, the special care baby unit, the transitional care unit and paediatric wards (for readmitted neonatal/cardiology infants).
Louise said: “Our successes include earlier, timely dietetic interventions leading to improved growth and developmental outcomes, reduced readmissions and clinical burden, and strong collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams.
“Our collaborative and quality-focused approach highlights family-centred and equity-driven care and extensive training delivered to health visitors, students, nursing and medical staff. We’re also driving new quality improvement projects and have active involvement and contribution to One for Scotland neonatal nutrition guidelines.”
Staff feedback
- “…immeasurable impact on MDT care” – consultant neonatologist
- “…eased parental anxiety” – neonatal community outreach team nurse
- “…totally invaluable service” – midwife
- “…alleviated pressures for the nurses” – neonatal charge midwife
Family Feedback (via Care Opinion)
- “Such a positive experience… made everything easier on our family.”
- “I am incredibly thankful for all they have done.”
