Lia’s Wings calls for balance in Scotland’s neonatal care plans

Date: 27th October 2025

NHS Scotland is introducing a new model of neonatal care that will see three specialist Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide treatment for the most premature and critically ill babies. The remaining neonatal units will continue to offer local and special care for babies who need less intensive support, with transfer pathways in place to and from the specialist centres when required.

Lia’s Wings supports the goal of giving Scotland’s smallest and most vulnerable babies the very best chance of survival through expert, evidence-based care.

However, our charity also recognises the immense challenges families face when their baby is receiving neonatal care far from home. For parents of premature babies, weeks or even months away from loved ones can bring emotional strain, financial pressure, and isolation at a time when they need support most.

Lia's Wings has over 15 years of experience working with premature babies, and around 70% of the families supported by the charity have babies who were born early, away from home.

Around 70% of the families supported by Lia’s Wings have premature babies who were born unexpectedly early and far from home. The charity’s specialist air transfer service helps reunite these families at their local neonatal units, easing both emotional and financial pressures so they can focus on their baby’s care together. Natalie Scott, Lia's Wings CEO, says:

“We support the goal of improving outcomes for the sickest and smallest babies, but we must also protect families’ wellbeing, ensuring they are supported, not separated, during such difficult times.”

Lia’s Wings is calling for a balanced approach to Scotland’s neonatal changes. The charity wants to see world-class medical care delivered alongside strong practical and emotional support for families. No family should face these challenges alone. Lia’s Wings stands ready to work with government, clinicians, and partners to make sure every baby and family receives the best possible care, both close to home and at specialist centres.

About the changes

• 3 specialist NICUs:

  - Royal Hospital for Children, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow

  - Simpson's Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

  - Aberdeen Maternity Unit

• Other hospitals: redesignated as local or special care units

• Goal: better survival for extremely premature or critically ill babies

• Challenge: long-distance travel and separation for families

• Lia’s Wings calls for: improved practical and emotional support for parents, and continued investment in local neonatal teams

About Lia’s Wings

Lia’s Wings provides specialist air transfers for babies and children across the UK. Around 70% of the families supported have premature babies who were born unexpectedly early and far from home. By flying them to their local neonatal units, the charity helps reunite families and reduce the emotional and practical strain of long-distance hospital stays. Lia’s Wings’ insight comes directly from parents who have experienced neonatal care, giving the organisation a unique understanding of the challenges families face when cared for in neonatal units far from home.

The charity’s specialist air transfer service helps reunite these families at their local neonatal units

For media enquiries:

📧 hello@lias-wings.org.uk

📞 0300 140 9980