About Bliss, for babies born too soon, too small, too sick

BLISS is the only national "hands on" charity working on behalf of sick and premature babies and their families.

It is a common misconception that having a sick or premature baby is a rare event that can be avoided. In truth it can happen to families from all walks of life at any time.

One in eight babies are born too early or with problems. Many weigh less than a bag of sugar. Babies born too sick or too soon have a fighting chance of growing up into a healthy child if the right resources and medical support are available.

Britain has the highest rate of premature birth in Europe and it remains the biggest cause of infant mortality.
In two thirds of cases, there is no known medical explanation. Research is making little impact on outcomes and BLISS' services are greatly needed.

Many hospitals still lack essential equipment and have a shortage of specialist staff. Parents are usually totally unprepared for the arrival of a sick or premature baby - they feel isolated, angry, frightened and guilty and need a great deal of support.

BLISS is committed to all sick and premature babies, their families and health professionals who work with them.

The charity funds ongoing specialist health professional training and is committed to helping address the problem of nurse recruitment and retention. It provides a helpline for parents - staffed by volunteers who have been through the experience of having a sick or premature baby - and produces a wide range of information leaflets for parents and health professionals.

In 2001, BLISS distributed more than 30,000 leaflets, campaigned for change at government and parliamentary level and was consulted and quoted in the Department of Health paper on the reconfiguration of neonatal services. It also funds research and life-saving equipment.