Neonatal services guidelines

A three-tier system for the provision of newborn care exists within Victoria. Neonatal services range from community hospitals providing services to women with uncomplicated pregnancies (Level 1) to large metropolitan hospitals offering neonatal intensive care facilities (Level 3). Previously, there has been no agreed criteria for defining the levels of neonatal care.

The Neonatal services guidelines (the guidelines) have been developed to support health services in the provision of care appropriate to the needs of Victorian infants and their families. This document guides the delineation of levels of hospital neonatal care across Victoria to ensure that the care provided has regard for safe and appropriate practices. Areas of responsibilities are defined for individual hospitals within a comprehensive health care system. Adherence to the guidelines will ensure that women and their babies are cared for in facilities providing the required level of care.

As the title implies, defining levels of neonatal care necessitates reference to the elements that distinguish neonatal care from other care provided by health services. The guidelines provide a framework for assisting health services in determining how to structure their neonatal service to appropriately meet the needs of their local community, taking into account services that are available both in the immediate area and more broadly.

Each hospital should assess its capabilities by referencing its level of service against the guidelines. Variation in services may be warranted based on the needs of individual patients, resources and limitations unique to the hospital or type of practice. However, where there is a departure from the guidelines, variations in service provision require documentation within the organisation’s policy manuals as well as development of an appropriate risk management strategy.

Contact: For general enquiries Tel. (03) 9096 7798

This web site is managed and authorised by the Maternity and Newborn Program, Acute Programs, Performance, Acute Programs & Rural Health Branch, Hospital and Health Service Performance Division, Victorian State Government, Department of Health, Australia