Developing a neonatal palliative care education programme within the North West London Perinatal Network

Neonatology is a speciality where medical technology has made huge advancements, but as a result of that success, infants are surviving delivery with complex health needs and consequently have a poor prognosis. Research and the Nuffield Council (2006) have recommended that all neonatal staff should be trained in the basic principles of palliative care and to be equipped with the skills, confidence and expertise in order to provide optimum care for these infants and their families. This article details the development of an education programme for professionals on the principles of neonatal palliative care within the North West London Perinatal Network.