Neonatal Standards
Physiotherapy Staffing Recommendations for Neonatal Units in the UK- APCP
Guidance for Good Practice for Physiotherapists Working in Neonatal Care - APCP
About physiotherapy in neonatal care
A Neonatal Physiotherapist aims to support the development of babies who may be at risk of having movement or developmental difficulties due to prematurity, problems before, during or after birth, problems affecting joints or muscles or any other problems that may affect how they move. Once discharged home follow-up may include assessment and treatment to promote flexion and encouraging typical movement patterns, through specific handling and play activities.
Professional Groups
The Neonatal Committee of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists work with neonates and ex-preterm infants and supports the role of physiotherapists working in neonatal units or in-reaching from the community.
Aspects of neonatal care include: respiratory care, developmentally supportive care, neurological assessment, follow up of the high risk infant and orthopaedic services specific to neonates.