Joint statement from BAPM and NNA
On the important role of advanced neonatal nurse practitioners.
There has been recent publicity from the British Medical Association about non-medical clinicians working outside their competency in ways that affect patient safety or doctors’ training and education. Some of their comments have referenced advanced neonatal nurse practitioners (ANNPs). The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) and Neonatal Nursing Association (NNA) are professional organisations with many ANNP members and, as a result, we felt we should comment on this.
BAPM and NNA strongly support the ANNP role in neonatal care. Providing neonatal care requires a multidisciplinary team, and we recognise the expertise and experience that we gain from all members of this team. ANNPs are a highly skilled, highly valued, and essential component of the staffing complement of most neonatal units in the UK.
ANNPs are experienced neonatal nurses who have undergone rigorous Masters level training to take on additional roles. Since the first training programme started the early 90s, ANNPs have seized the opportunity to build on years of clinical practice and to take on new roles within neonatal units and both community and transport services. Their exact roles vary from unit to unit, but the common threads of practical skills and experience, continuity of care, and vast experience of family centred care provide a solid foundation for neonatal services across the UK.
ANNPs bring their neonatal nursing expertise and experience and use it to enhance the medical and nursing care of the families and vulnerable patients on neonatal units. They help to support nursing and medical care, they provide continuity when doctors rotate and help to train new neonatal doctors. Nurse-led and advanced practice roles are integral to the functioning of neonatal and wider health services. Evidence consistently demonstrates they deliver safe, effective, and high-quality care, and their absence would significantly impact service provision.
BAPM has a capabilities framework for ANNPs1 and the primary goal of this framework is to support ANNPs throughout the UK to develop their careers in a manner which promotes sustainability in the workforce. It also acts as a guide for personal and professional development and ensure ANNPs do not work outside their areas of competency.
ANNPs are highly valued as skilled members of neonatal multi-disciplinary teams, working alongside doctors, not as a substitute for them. BAPM and the NNA remain firmly committed to supporting the delivery of the highest quality care for neonates and their families. We strongly believe this is best achieved through effective, collaborative working within a specialist neonatal multidisciplinary team.
1 ANNP_Capability_framework_-_for_publication_10-5-21.docx.pdf
