Neonatal team recognised with national award for keeping mothers and newborn babies together
The neonatal team at Prince Charles Hospital has been named Neonatal Team of the Year by the Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA), recognising an innovative project that is helping more newborn babies stay with their mothers after birth.
The award celebrates the team's successful implementation of the Breathe Together with ARC (Admission Reduction through CPAP) project, which has transformed the care of babies born close to or at full term who develop breathing difficulties shortly after birth.
Traditionally, many of these babies would have been admitted to the Neonatal Unit for observation and treatment, resulting in separation from their mothers during the important early hours and days after birth.
The Breathe Together with ARC pathway has introduced a new approach to supporting babies who need help with their breathing. Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and enhanced clinical assessment, many babies can now receive the care they need while remaining with their mothers whenever it is safe to do so.
The project was led by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of neonatal nurses and medical colleagues, working closely with maternity and perinatal teams across Prince Charles Hospital.
Since its introduction, the initiative has reduced unnecessary neonatal admissions, helped families spend more time together and supported a more family-centred approach to care. The team's work has also been shared with colleagues at Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where similar positive outcomes are now being seen.
The Neonatal Nurses Association praised the team's "outstanding collaboration and commitment to improving care", highlighting the project's success in reducing unnecessary admissions while keeping mothers and babies together.
Suzanne Hardacre, Director of Midwifery at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said:
"This award is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, innovation and teamwork shown by colleagues across our neonatal, maternity and perinatal services.
The Breathe Together with ARC project has made a real difference for babies and families by reducing separation at such an important time, while ensuring babies continue to receive safe and effective care. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved and delighted to see their hard work recognised on a national stage."
NNA award winners were announced at the event, Neonatal Nursing Now, on 14 October 2026.
The team were presented with a trophy on 21 October 2026 in recognition of their achievement.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this award-winning initiative.
21/10/2026