Gold accreditation for NICU at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

Gold accreditation for NICU at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital image

Home >> news >> Gold accreditation for NICU at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) becomes the first hospital in the East of England region to achieve gold accreditation for the Bliss Baby Charter.

The unit, which looks after the most premature and sickest babies, has been awarded the Bliss Baby Charter gold accreditation, after nearly six years of hard work and commitment.

The Bliss Baby Charter provides a practical framework for neonatal units to self-assess the quality of family-centred care they deliver. It enables units to audit their practices and develop meaningful plans to achieve changes that benefit babies and their families.

After submitting three audits, having an assessment and external assessors visit the unit, the first gold accreditation in the East of England was awarded to the L&D’s NICU, the ninth unit in the whole of the UK.

Claire Adamson, Operational Manager and Lead Nurse Neonatal Services at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are so proud to have received gold accreditation for the Bliss Baby Charter, it’s is an incredible achievement for our unit and showcases our commitment to family-centred care. We will continue to strive to do our best for all of our families and babies coming through the unit.”

Liz Lees, Chief Nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “It has been a challenging few years for the team in the neonatal unit, and this achievement really recognises all the hard work and determination from every member of staff in the unit.”

One of only nine units across the UK

Families coming through our unit can be reassured that they will receive the highest quality of care that meets individual needs, from the very best team.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

17 October 2025

Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent…

A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue…

News

15 October 2025

One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab

One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always…

Case Study

9 October 2025

Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia

Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…

News

2 October 2025

Digital tool improves mobility and balance in people at risk of falls

The largest real-world evaluation of GaitSmart, an AI-driven digital tool for people with gait (walking pattern) and mobility issues across four sites in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, has seen improved health…

News

2 October 2025

Asthma inhaler project scoops prize at NHS awards ceremony

A revolutionary project which has improved care for asthma patients whilst also reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and saving money was among the winners at an NHS awards ceremony.…

News

30 September 2025

Chief Executive appointed to lead new ‘Central East’ ICB cluster

Jan Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board, has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the ‘Central East’ Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster.  …