Scottish Government orders review as neonatal deaths higher than expected

Healthcare Improvement Scotland have been commissioned to lead a review into the neonatal death rates.

It follows the higher than expected deaths in both March 2022 and September last year, as published by Public Health Scotland.

At least 18 babies under four weeks old died in March – a rate of 4.6 per 1,000 births.

The wider inquiry is understood to have been triggered because the mortality rate passed an "upper control" threshold of 4.4 per 1,000 births. The average mortality rate among newborns is just over 2 per 1,000 births.

The Scottish Government said the investigation is expected to take no longer than six to nine months once the review team is formed.

Public health minister Maree Todd said: “Every death is a tragedy for the families involved. That is why earlier this year I committed to this review to find out if there is a reason for the increase.

“I appreciate how difficult this time is for anyone affected and I would encourage them to access support if they wish to do so. There is information about organisations and help available on the National Bereavement Care Pathways Scotland as well as the Scottish Government website.”

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Source: The Scotsman, 30 September 2022