BAPM’s first and foremost thoughts are with the babies and families affected by the events examined by the Thirlwall Inquiry. We extend our deepest sympathy to all those who have experienced such devastating loss and harm.

We also acknowledge how families being cared for on other neonatal units have been affected as these events understandably affect confidence in neonatal staff, and the care they deliver. We know that staff working on neonatal units have been affected as a result of increased scrutiny and loss of confidence that these events inevitably bring.

We note the first recommendation for CCTV in all cots. It is vital that neonatal staff are part of any plans made to ensure any solutions are genuinely workable in neonatal unts. We welcome the recommendations to harmonise digital systems and to implement the BAPM mortality framework and GIRFT insulin documents.

BAPM will take time to review the report’s full recommendations alongside those from other recent national reports relevant to perinatal care. Over the coming weeks and months, we will consider how BAPM can support implementation of these and help the families and staff affected.

Thirlwall Inquiry Report