Family support and engagement are central to the delivery of neonatal care in Northern Ireland. Recognising that parents are not just visitors but essential partners in their baby’s care, neonatal services across the region have adopted a Family Integrated Care (FICare) approach. This model empowers families to be actively involved in their baby’s treatment and recovery from the moment of admission through to discharge and beyond.
Family-Centred Philosophy
All neonatal units in Northern Ireland operate under the principle that parents are primary caregivers, not passive observers.
This includes:
- Participation in ward rounds and nursing handovers
- Encouragement of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding
- Access to rooming-in facilities and parent lounges for comfort and bonding
Support Services
Organisations like TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity, provide:
- Family Support Officers who visit neonatal units weekly
- Emotional support and practical advice
- Breast pump loan services and peer support groups
Facilities and Resources
Neonatal units offer:
- Recliner chairs at each cot for skin-to-skin care
- Private rooms for overnight stays or palliative care
- Meal and parking vouchers to reduce financial stress
Training and Communication
Staff are trained to:
- Support parents in feeding, hygiene, and developmental care
- Communicate clearly and compassionately
- Involve families in discharge planning and follow-up care
Recognition and Accreditation
Several units have achieved:
- UNICEF Baby Friendly Accreditation
- BLISS Charter Awards for excellence in family-centred care
Use of co-produced resources and discharge planning tools
- Parent passport
- Research discharge questionnaire (RDQ)
This approach not only improves outcomes for babies but also reduces parental stress, enhances bonding, and builds confidence in caring for their child after discharge.