Worcester Royal Hospital neonatal unit achieves Bliss Baby Charter Gold

We are delighted to announce that Worcester Royal Hospital Neonatal Unit has successfully completed its Bliss Baby Charter Gold accreditation. The unit has demonstrated that there are sufficient procedures, practices, and facilities in place to empower parents and carers to be partners in care through joint decision-making and hands on care, as well as understanding families’ needs and availability in order to provide truly individualised care. This facilitates a solid foundation for Family Integrated Care.

The Bliss Baby Charter accreditation assessment which was carried out at Worcester Royal Hospital on 23rd June 2026.

The assessment team found that the Unit at Worcester Royal Hospital demonstrated strong teamwork, with staff at all levels actively engaged in, and knowledgeable about, Family Integrated Care (FICare) and the wider family support services available on the Unit. There was clear evidence of a shared commitment to placing families at the centre of care, with staff consistently recognising the importance of involving parents and carers as partners in their baby’s care and celebrating these steps with them.

The team was particularly impressed by the level of psychological and trauma-informed awareness demonstrated not only by the Psychologist, but by staff across the wider multidisciplinary team, reflecting a shared understanding of the emotional impact of neonatal care on families.

Vivi Weckeman, Clinical Lead Neonatal Consultant, said: “Well done to all on the unit and to Mel for promoting the standards tirelessly! I know how hard everyone has worked to make sure we can uphold these standards and provide the best possible care for our babies and their families. I’m very proud to be working with all of you!”

Amrat Mahal, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the Bliss Gold Accreditation. This recognition reflects the outstanding care, dedication and professionalism of our neonatal teams and their commitment to supporting babies and families through every stage of their neonatal journey.”

Mel Pople, Family Integrated Care Lead, said:  “Family Integrated Care here at Worcestershire Neonatal Services has developed and improved so much. Having the Bliss Baby Charter accreditation to work towards supports the whole team's understanding and provides clear direction. Our culture has altered in the 10 years of my working here, we care for and support the whole family as well as their baby, because we know that the best possible outcomes will come from the parents feeling confident, competent and attuned to meeting their baby’s needs.”