NHS England has published an updated neonatal critical care service specification.
Published on the NHS England website on 11th March 2024, the specification includes details of service aims and outcomes, models, and pathways. Additionally, standards are included for additional services such as transfers, neonatal end of life care, neonatal outreach and follow-up services.
The update is particularly relevant to Neonatal ODNs (including Clinical Leads, Lead Nurses and Managers/Directors), Neonatal Critical Care CRG and regional commissioners for NCC seeking clarity on model service provision.
Nurse staffing ratios are highlighted within the document, referencing contributions from the NNA, and information about quality roles. The specification states that “each NNU must implement or work towards an agreed plan with commissioners for nurse staffing levels” based on these ratios. This plan must also include details of medical staff and AHP ratios.
Categories of Neonatal Critical Care specified within the documents include:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Neonatal High Dependency Care
- Neonatal Special Care/Special Care with External Carer (Transitional Care)
- Neonatology Supported Care
The document also defines the care provision expected from each category of neonatal unit, including Special Care Units (SCUs), Local Neonatal Units (LNUs), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Units. Acceptance criteria for Neonatal Critical Care are also included.
Additional areas of focus include Professional Competence, Education and Training, as well as Standards for Family Experience, Communication and Facilities, and Transfer specifications.
The updated specification is available to view on the NHSE website.

My name is Dr. Julia Petty, and I am a nurse lecturer specialising in children’s nursing with a particular interest in neonatal care. My nursing career in paediatric and neonatal clinical nursing practice began after a BSc Hons degree in Psychology at Warwick University, when I moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Here, I trained in children’s and adult nursing before working there for many years in children’s and neonatal surgical care. I then gained my neonatal nursing qualification at St George’s NHS Trust London and worked at the Whittington NHS Trust NICU before moving back to Great Ormond Street for a senior education role on NICU where I worked until 2001. I then worked as Senior Lecturer at City University, London for 12 years leading the neonatal nursing education portfolio. I studied for a MSc, a PGCE and MA in academic practice during this time, In 2013, I moved to the University of Hertfordshire where my role is Associate Professor (learning and teaching) and Senior lecturer child nursing. I teach on the BSc Hons nursing and master’s degree programmes including leadership of modules, face-to-face/online teaching, assessing and supervision of students at all levels up to doctorate level. I am also research active and have completed a Doctorate in Education. As a nurse, educator and post-doctorate researcher, my interests focus on parents’ premature birth experiences, supporting parents in the transition home from NICU, exploring communication needs of neonates and their carers and studying the educational value of digital storytelling. This combination and variety of roles enriches my working life and brings together my experience as a child / neonatal nurse, educator and researcher. My role and related activities enable me to engage in both education and research while supporting students on their nursing career and education pathway, which is a privilege to be part of.
Hello my name is Claire Richards and I’m the Lead Nurse for the Wales Maternity and Neonatal Strategic Network. This covers nursing leadership but also Neonatal transport. I also have a clinical honorary contract in one Health Board.
Hello, my name is Kim Edwards, and I am a Neonatal Nurse. I am currently the Lead Nurse and Workforce, Education Lead for the Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN)
Hello, my name is Jean and I am a registered children’s nurse with 27 years experience. I qualified with a DipHE after struggling academically due to dyslexia. Over my career I have worked mainly in PICU, NICU and children’s cardiac critical care. I am dual qualified in speciality (QIS) for both Neonatal and Paediatrics. The QIS program is a post graduate modular course completed at level 6/7. To be considered QIS you must successfully complete 4 separate modules, each have an academic and practical component. Only on completion of the QIS course can you apply for a band 6 role. In addition to the above qualifications it is expected you would have several years proven experience in speciality at Band 6 and 7 prior to applying for a Matron’s role.