Recommended Medical Workforce Standards for Local and Special Care Neonatal Units in the UK
BAPM Framework for Practice.
This framework provides recommendations on the optimal medical workforce arrangements for Local Neonatal Units (LNU) and Special Care Units (SCU) in the UK using current activity patterns and medical workforce models.
The document is aimed at individuals, organisations and government bodies involved in the provision, planning and commissioning of neonatal care and its medical staffing.
This document is an update to the 2018 framework. This updated guidance offers a strategic framework for optimising medical workforce arrangements, ensuring LNU and SCU are adequately equipped to deliver safe, high-quality, and family-integrated care in an increasingly demanding healthcare environment.
Document update
| Date | Page | Changes made |
| 30/6/26 | 13 | Clarification of metrics for categories of attendances. |
| 30/6/26 | Appendix D | Spreadsheet updated to reflect the above. |
BAPM Framework: Medical Workforce Standards for LNU and SCU (PDF)
Appendix A - Activity metrics and workforce survey findings
Appendix B - Literature search
Appendix C - Workforce survey CHERRIES checklist
Appendix D - Framework compliance self-assessment tool
Consultation Responses
