Parents' meetings in two neonatal units: a way of increasing support for parents.

For a combined total of three years meetings have been held regularly on two neonatal units for parents with infants requiring neonatal intensive care. These meetings give parents an opportunity to meet each other and members of staff in an informal atmosphere in the hope that mutual support will be gained. Initial assessment shows that the parents gain confidence in their ability to look after such small babies. The staff have gained a greater insight into the parents' anxieties and problems and changes have been made in the procedures on these units. If new insight is to result in changes that benefit the parents their views must be made known and taken into account when policy decisions are made.