// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Delay to neonatal reform is putting babies at risk, warn doctors
Kelly Dalley's baby Annabel was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care at Ninewells Hospital
The lives of some of the smallest and sickest babies in Scotland are being put at risk because of delays in reorganising neonatal care, doctors have warned.
The Scottish government's controversial plan to cut the number of neonatal intensive care units from eight to three was announced in 2017, but has not yet been implemented.
Doctors and charities who support the proposals say they would save lives – but have accused ministers of failing to ensure there are enough cots or staff to safely implement the move.
Health Secretary Angela Constance admitted that the government could not continue to delay the move and promised: "These changes will be made."
Under the plans, neonatal care will be centralised for babies who:
The three national neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) will be based at Aberdeen Maternity Unit, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
The five other units - in Dundee, Wishaw, Kirkcaldy, Kilmarnock and at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow - will become local neonatal units (LNUs), providing a limited amount of intensive care to other babies.
The new model in Scotland was due to be implemented by 2026, but there is still no date for when it will be introduced.
Health Secretary Angela Constance says the changes will be implemented