Tendai Nzirawa
Queens University Hospital, UK
Title: Does the intervention of a Community Neonatal Service, actually reduce hospital readmission? A case study of Nasogastric tube fed infant over a 12 months’ period
Biography
Biography: Tendai Nzirawa
Abstract
Every year our neonatal unit discharges at least 6 infants on nasogastric tube feeding, in order to reduce length of stay and promote parent-infant bonding in a relaxed environment. Although, in 2015 one infant proved that the input of a community neonatal service can reduce length of stay, and also reduce readmission to the children’s ward. (According to The Code-Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015 the infant name has been changed and will be referred as Summer). Summer was born in a level 3 hospital at full term and at examination was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia and severe hypotonic, Summer was transferred to a local level 2 hospital for continuity of care, however after a total of 2 weeks in hospital, a discharge planning meeting was done to discuss Summer’s discharge including parental teaching for nasogastric tube feeding. Throughout, the 12 months’ period that Summer received support from the community neonatal nursing team, Summer never attended A&E and also never was readmitted in the children ward. Summer’s case study has proved that by having a Community Neonatal Service would reduce length of stay and reduce hospital readmission. In conclusion, it is important to recognize that this can only be achievable when there are other health professionals to ensure that the focus of the care is based on the infant’s needs and unlimited parental support.