Background
In 2001-2002 the Eastern Region Specialist Commissioning Group
(ERSCG) led a review of Neonatal Intensive Care provision in
Eastern England. The review covered all aspects of Neonatal
Intensive Care including transport, staff recruitment and
retention, and the creation of possible Neonatal Intensive Care
Networks within Eastern England, i.e. Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridge; Essex; Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. It took place
against a background of persistent public and professional concern
about the availability of Neonatal Intensive Care cots and adverse
publicity over the subsequent transfer of mothers in premature
labour traverlling great distances in search of adequate neonatal
facilities.
The ERSCG report and recommendations were released at a Stakeholder
Day in September 2002. The final recommendations being agreed by
the ESCG in March 2003.
It proposed: -
A Neonatal Intensive Care Network for Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridge with Level 3 Neonatal Units at Norfolk and Norwich
Hospital and at Addenbrookes.
· A Neonatal Intensive Care Network for Essex with a possible Level
3 Unit at Chelmsford subject to local agreement.
· A Neonatal Intensive Care Network for Beds and Herts with a Level
3 Unit at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital subject to local
agreement.
Consideration of the most appropriate network formation for Essex
has taken place over the past two years. This process has been more
complex than for some other networks as there is currently no level
3 or tertiary unit within Essex.
Following a period of consultation and consideration the
decision to develop a level 3 unit in Chelmsford was made. Mid
Essex NHS Trust will provide this service, the PFI build at
Broomfield Hospital, which will house the new unit, is due for
completion in 2009. Whilst the development of a neonatal network
for Essex is complex for the first time a level 3 neonatal unit for
the service users of Essex will be available.
Mid Essex website PFI build - www.pfiproject.co.uk
The Essex Neonatal Network was formally launched on 30th November
2005, at a Stakeholders
meeting.