Cot locator 'to save' young lives
Doctors will more quickly be able to place sick and premature babies in care
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Monday, 27, Nov 2006 11:06
A new system has been developed which will allow hospital workers to see at a glance where cots are available across the country for sick and premature babies.
The National Cot Locator (NCL), which was developed by clinical and professional experts, will cover around 40 intensive care neonatal units in England.
Although neonatal networks aim to provide 95 per cent of care for babies locally, occasionally they have to be transferred outside of the local network to more specialist units.
Announcing the NCL today, health minister Ivan Lewis said that it would allow these transfers to be better planned and coordinated.
"On the occasions when a suitable cot is needed outside of the local network, a call to the National Neonatal Cot Locator will provide immediate up-to-date information about more distant options, making sure that these transfers can happen quickly, are effectively planned and can go as smoothly as possible," he said.
"This will make a real difference to families and professionals seeking to ensure that babies and parents get the best possible care in usually very challenging circumstances."
Andy Cole, chief executive of the premature and sick baby charity Bliss, said: "Bliss welcomes this important strategic development. We hope to see the cot locator have a significant impact across England on the crucial issues of available cots and transfers for babies in need of intensive care."
About 17,000 babies each year need neonatal intensive care. Over the last year 957 cots have been available for care.