The Family Integrated Care (FICare) model on the Neonatal Unit at Warrington Hospital has been awarded green FICare status in a recent accreditation visit and been shortlisted for a Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA).

PENNA celebrate the delivery of outstanding patient experience by those involved in the health and social care industry and the implementation of the Family Integrated Care model in the Neonatal Unit has been shortlisted in the Communicating Effectively category.

The Northwest Neonatal ODN (Operational Delivery Network) carried out an accreditation visit to the Neonatal Unit in July 2023, following which FICare was awarded green status for the support provided to families.

Green is the highest level of accreditation in the FICare model which encourages greater parent involvement in their infants’ care on a neonatal unit. This goes well beyond merely allowing parents to be present and observe care and ensures they are an integral part of their infant’s care while on the ward.

Inspectors praised the unit for initiatives including ‘Tell us tags’ and ‘All about me trees’ along with a comprehensive parent education programme supporting communication and promoting parent-infant interactions to build parent confidence.

The ‘Train to home’, a visual representation of milestones to achieve prior to discharge, ensures parental involvement which improves confidence and supports getting everyone home as soon as possible.

When asked ‘do you feel involved in your baby’s care?’ and ‘do you feel part of the team?’ parents’ feedback included:

“We were given every opportunity to be part of our son’s care. From feeding to self-care and hygiene as well as decisions that were made, we were always consulted, and our thoughts and opinions listened to.”

“The nurses were brilliant at supporting us with the care for our daughter. They started slowly, with no pressure or rushing. Teaching us new cares each day, without having information overload and providing support each time until we were 100% comfortable.”

“The nurses encouraged us to take care of our baby as much as we could and kept us informed at every stage of her development.”

“I felt as though parents were looked after as much as the babies. Always checking in on physical/mental/emotional health. Absolutely amazing.”

Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, chief nurse and deputy chief executive said: “It is fantastic to see our adoption of the FICare model not only make a difference to our neonatal families, but to be recognised nationally by firstly receiving green status by the Northwest Neonatal ODN and then being shortlisted for a PENNA award.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved.”

The Patient Experience Network National Awards will take place at the University of Birmingham on 28 September 2023.