Every Welsh neonatal unit joins programme to involve parents in care

Every neonatal unit in Wales is now taking part in a programme intended to give parents a greater role in their baby’s care, the Welsh Government says. The units have either gained at least bronze accreditation under the Bliss Baby Charter or submitted themselves for assessment.

That distinction matters: participation does not mean every unit has already been accredited. The charter asks teams to involve parents as partners in care and decisions, rather than treating them simply as visitors.

What has changed for families?

At Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, the neonatal unit recently achieved bronze accreditation. Its changes include a reclining chair at each bedside, meal vouchers for parents and access to support at any hour, according to the government’s announcement on 30 September.

Across Wales, one unit has reached silver accreditation and three more are preparing to do so. The announcement does not identify those units or provide a complete list showing each hospital’s assessment status.

Support beyond the bedside

Around 2,800 premature and sick babies in Wales need neonatal care each year, the government says. Bliss is developing bilingual resources and support for families who face barriers linked to travel distance, cost, language or disability.

The government awarded the charity almost £100,000 in September 2025 for the national improvement programme. It says funding will continue during the current financial year, but this release gives neither the new amount nor a commitment beyond that period.

The announcement reports progress in family support and accreditation. It does not publish evidence of a resulting change in clinical outcomes. Families can ask their neonatal team what support is available at their own hospital.