Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the debate on motion S6M-17186 (Best Start New Model of Neonatal Care) on 30 April 2025, what (a) funding and (b) resources have been allocated for the 2025–26 financial year to each of the NHS boards hosting the three neonatal intensive care units, and what assessment it has made to ensure that this is sufficient to recruit the workforce required to deliver the increased requirements within the Best Start new model of neonatal care.
The Scottish Government recognises that funding will be required to support Boards to make the transition to a reformed maternity and neonatal service. We have provided £3,570,400 to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and £2,873,051 to NHS Lothian since 2019, a total contribution of almost £6.5m. We are in discussion with NHS Grampian about additional support required. This funding is focused on supporting Boards through the transition process. In parallel work is underway to develop a cross-Board funding model to ensure receiving units are funded for the additional care that they provide.
This is in addition to the £25m of support we have provided to all Boards for implementation of the package of recommendations within Best Start since 2018, including improvements such as introduction of transitional care, and neonatal community care, and establishment of the Scottish Perinatal Network.