NEW data from Herefordshire's NHS trust shows how many newborn babies have died over the last eight years.

The figures, obtained by the Hereford Times via Freedom of Information request, show that hundreds of newborn babies are admitted to the Wye Valley NHS Trust every year.

Over the period of 2015 to 2023, the yearly average of neonatal babies admitted to the trust was 396. At the time of the request on August 8, 219 had been admitted in 2024.

Out of the thousands of babies admitted since 2015, only 14 early and late neonatal deaths were recorded, as well as 19 post-neonatal deaths, over the entire period.

The number of stillbirths was also included in the data. Most years, there were less than six stillbirths in Herefordshire. There was a peak in 2019, when nine stillbirths were recorded. So far in 2024, there have been less than six.

Neonatal babies in need of hospital treatment are cared for at the special care baby unit at Hereford County Hospital. The unit is a dedicated team of neonatal healthcare professionals, following the principles of family integrated care to involve parents in all aspects of babies' care.

The special care baby unit has not been recently inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), but a CQC inspection of maternity services at Hereford hospital last year found that staff were delivering a "good" service.

But more improvements still needed to be made to make sure mothers and babies remain safe, the report said.

Jane Ives, the trust's managing director, said at the time of the report: "Our excellent team deserves this recognition. They have worked very hard to improve the service to women and families."

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In 2021, a new area in the special care baby unit opened to allow mothers and babies to stay together for treatment rather than being separated.

Elaine Evans, special care baby unit ward manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said at the time of the opening: “We’re very pleased to open this transitional care area, which will make such a difference to the mum’s experience, providing specialised care and support to mums of late-preterm infants without being separated from their baby.

“Mums are able to stay with their baby which helps with bonding, breastfeeding, getting to know any additional needs of their special care baby, and the preparation for when they are ready to both go home."