To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in implementing the recommendation in the NHS Toolkit for high-quality neonatal services, that "Every effort is made to keep a mother and her baby/babies in the same hospital during their respective admissions". [HL874]

The Toolkit for High Quality Neonatal Services was launched on 4 November 2009. National Health Service regions, together with neonatal networks are holding implementation events to review what actions they may need to take to implement this best practice toolkit locally.

The NHS Operating Framework for 2010-11 also highlights to the NHS that the toolkit can be used to support them in improving their neonatal services. Networks and commissioners will be reviewing capacity within their areas as part of the unit designation process, which should also take account of transfer issues.