Annex A > Chapter 6 - Funding and Resources > Resources > Resources for neonatal work
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Resources for neonatal work
135 Paediatric cardiac surgical services in Bristol were part of a larger range of neonatal [187] services. In 1986, a document from the B&WDHA, entitled `Strategy for Neonatal Care 1986-1994', stated:
`Professional representation has indicated a desire to increase the quality of services generally and to maintain or improve access to services in Bristol Maternity and Children's Hospitals for obstetric and neonatal referrals from within and outside the South Western Region. A key request was an increase in nursing levels to manage the desired workload without undue stress on those concerned ... The strategy has been accepted as one which takes into account a Regional commitment, "to provide adequate facilities for the intensive care of infants (in consultation with neighbouring authorities if necessary)", and a pragmatic assessment of the opportunities for implementation throughout the decade. The adequacy of facilities for intensive care contributed by this District will be determined on a year to year basis in the light of developments in other Districts and agreement on the best balance of all aspects of obstetric, neonatal and children's care within the District's Children's and Maternity Unit.
`Members of the Authority's Policy, Planning and Resource Committee and District Managers acknowledge that in interpreting the policy of the Authority and accepting the resource assumption for planning that there will be a shortfall of attainment for future care of neonates. Members are not unaware of the extra strain which will be placed upon staff in the exercise of their professional judgment and in their relationship with the parents. If the District's resource allocation increases in the future and the policies of the Authority change, the opportunity to respond to future demand ... will be taken.' [188]
136 Mr Nix commented on this document in the following exchange:
`Q. I appreciate that is not essentially concerned with neonatal cardiac surgery, but what it is, so it would seem ... suggesting is that there was a shortfall of attainment, and going to be a shortfall in attainment in the care of neonates [in] the following years, and "shortfall in attainment" means essentially a lack of provision, which comes back in the end to staffing and money; is that right?
`A. Yes, what was technically going to be achieved for neonates was going to be expanded and is still expanding even now and there are strains on the service.' [189]
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Footnotes
[187] That is, children of under 1 month old
[188] UBHT 0238 0236, dated 1 May 1986. This strategy was adapted as policy: UBHT 0076 0058