Family Integrated Care (FiCare) is a model of neonatal care which promotes a culture of partnership between families and staff; enabling and empowering parents to become confident, knowledgeable, and independent primary caregivers. 

‘Family Integrated Care is a model that supports and educates parents and carers to become integral participants in their baby’s care from the time of admission to the Neonatal Unit in partnership with the Neonatal Team’.

FiCare at Leighton Hospital (YouTube)

Neonatal Units with a strong FiCare philosophy nurture families into this role by listening to them, building on their strengths, and encouraging their participation in experiences and decision-making to enhance control and independence. The FiCare model ensures that they can be a family as soon as possible; creating space for necessary medical care whilst facilitating the nurturing bond and love that only they can provide for their baby (BAPM 2021). Evidence shows that babies looked after this way have fewer infections, are more likely to breastfeed, gain weight more quickly, have fewer complications and go home sooner.

Other benefits of FiCare are:

  • Reduced incidence of retinopathy of prematurity.
  • Improved parent confidence resulting in better mental health and wellbeing post discharge.
  • Reduction in late onset sepsis.
  • Encourages parent-baby closeness which supports baby's development.
  • Reduces readmission rates after discharge.

Leighton Hospital is a North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network FiCare Accredited Unit.

While your baby is receiving care on a Neonatal Unit you will be able to do many of the day to day cares your baby needs. To ensure your baby’s comfort and safety you will be taught all the skills you need to give all the non-medical care to your baby. It may seem frightening and overwhelming at first but with the right support and guidance your confidence will soon grow.

Your baby will receive a baby passport that will make sure that both you and the Neonatal Unit staff know what you are able to do for your baby. This will be particularly helpful if your baby is transferred to another hospital. Please ensure the passport is kept with your baby during their stay.

For more information about FiCare, visit: Support for you and your baby - North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network