• FiCare reaccreditation for NNU at Royal Bolton Hospital
• This model reduces infection, length of stay and encourages better outcomes
• Staff demonstrating patient-centered care

Staff working in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) at the Royal Bolton Hospital have recently received their Green status reaccreditation for FiCare.

FiCare is a model that integrates families as partners in the NICU care team, and provides a structure that supports the implementation of family-centred care.

All NNU staff at the Trust attend a yearly FiCare update as part of their mandatory training and to date 85% of all neonatal and medical staff have been trained in FiCare.

On admission each family receive an admission passport pack explaining FiCare and how to become involved in the family centred care of their baby.

FiCare reduces parental anxiety, stress and encourages bonding, giving parents unrestricted access to their baby.

The model reduces instances of infection, length of stay on the unit and has been proven to have a positive effect on weight gain, breast feeding rates and long term neuro-development.

Cath Bainbridge, Matron for Neonatal Services said:

As Matron for the Neonatal service I am extremely proud that we have successfully sustained our FIcare accreditation on Neonatal Unit.

“This is testament to our fabulous team of Nurses and medics alike whom strive to provide high qualities outcomes for our infants and their families.