Managing safe staffing

Low staffing numbers in intensive care are associated with a number of adverse sequelae, including increased mortality. This article explores the evidence behind recommendations for safe staffing of neonatal units within the UK. Increasing pressure to reduce the hours all medical staff work and the increasing duration of neonatal nurse training requires all units to reflect on how they develop and maintain staff skills and prioritise training. To ensure safe staffing, numerous examples of innovative practice exist within the UK. Examples include network-wide workforces, clinical support workers and neonatal housekeepers.