Doctors have warned that delays in reorganising neonatal care in Scotland are endangering the lives of some of the smallest and sickest babies. The Scottish government's plan, announced in 2017, aimed to reduce the number of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from eight to three, but this has not yet been implemented.
Health Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the government could not continue to delay the move, stating, "These changes will be made." The proposed centralisation would affect babies born at less than 27 weeks, weighing under 800g, or requiring specialist complex care. The three national NICUs would be located at Aberdeen Maternity Unit, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) stated there has been a lack of progress, with Scotland "lagging behind England," where a similar move occurred in 2003. Dr. Stephen Wardle, BAPM president, said evidence supports centralisation, as larger centres improve survival chances for the sickest babies through access to specialist staff and equipment. He added that not implementing the new model is putting lives at risk and called for additional resources.
Professor James Boardman, a consultant neonatologist, described the evidence for centralisation as "unequivocal" and a "matter of life and death" for vulnerable, low-weight babies. Concerns have been raised by some parents and clinicians, particularly regarding the Wishaw unit, and a parliamentary committee is reviewing a petition to scrap the move.