Saving Babies Lives' Care Bundle Version 2

Following evaluation of the first version of the care bundle to reduce stillbirths, the second version of the Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle (SBLCBv2) has been unveiled.

The Saving Babies' Lives Care Bundle guidance is part of ambitious plans by NHS England to make maternity care safer and more personal.

A 'care bundle' aims to provide detailed information for those delivering care on a specific topic. The Saving Babies' Lives care bundles are concerned with maternity care and how to reduce deaths in and after pregnancy across England. 

This version 2 builds on the success the first version of the maternity care action plan released in 2016, that is recognised as contributing to a historical low stillbirth rate in England.

Tommy's involved in every aspect of the plan

The latest guidance was developed with input from Tommy's CEO Jane Brewin and clinical leads at the Tommy’s research centres. It brings together key elements of care, based on best available evidence and practice in order to help reduce stillbirth rates. It has also introduced a new focus on reducing preterm births.

Each element has a specific action plan against it with the aim of making maternity care safer and saving babies' lives. They are:

This will help reduce stillbirth and preterm birth

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive at Tommy’s’ said she was delighted with the launch of Saving Babies Lives Version 2.

‘Tommy’s believes every baby lost is one too many which is why we are working to improve maternity care across the UK. Tommy’s research centres have been involved in almost every aspect of the plan and we know that when this is implemented around the NHS, more babies’ lives will be saved.

We are particularly pleased to see the inclusion of the preterm birth prevention measures – the evaluation of the previous version of Saving Babies Lives showed that whilst stillbirth declined by 20%, preterm birth increased as babies were delivered earlier to minimise stillbirth risk.

Actions to reduce both stillbirth and preterm birth will ensure that more babies are born healthy and at full term which gives every baby the best start in life.”

Matthew Jolly National Clinical Director for Maternity and Women’s Health, NHS England said the success of the document ultimately rest on its implementation. He added: ‘The NHS Long Term Plan reiterates the NHS’s commitment to a 50% reduction in stillbirth, maternal mortality, neonatal mortality and serious brain injury and a reduction in preterm birth rate, from 8% to 6%, by 2025.’

Read more about version 1 of the Saving Babies' Lives Care Bundle

Find out more about reducing preterm birth rates