Continued national spread and impact of South West perinatal project
PERIPrem (Perinatal Excellence to Reduce Injury in Premature Birth) is continuing to achieve life changing, sustainable improvements to the way the most vulnerable babies are cared for and accelerating perinatal working culture across England and Wales.
Impact
- 329 families benefitted from receiving elements of the PERIPrem care bundle between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Units across the South West achieved, on average:
- Lowest mortality rate for babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation.
- Highest rate of eligible mothers receiving antenatal magnesium sulphate.
- Highest rate of delayed cord clamping in England and Wales for the fourth year in a row.
- Highest rates of maternal early breast milk within 48 hours for the second year in a row.
*As measured by the National Neonatal Audit Programme’s (NNAP) latest report, published in October 2024.
Project summary
PERIPrem is a unique care bundle of 11 evidence-based interventions that demonstrate a significant impact on brain injury and mortality rates amongst babies born earlier than 34 weeks.
The bundle was launched by Health Innovation South West and Health Innovation West of England in 2020 in partnership with South West Neonatal Network.
An independent, quantitative evaluation by Health Innovation South West, published in the British Medical Journal Open Quality in 2022, indicated 26% more mothers and babies born prematurely across the South West received the care interventions they were eligible for between July 2020 and June 2021, compared to before PERIPrem started.
Since its successful implementation and evaluation in the South West region, there has been national interest in PERIPrem. PERIPrem Cymru launched in Wales in 2023, and Health Innovation West of England is currently supporting the further spread and adoption of PERIPrem to the Midlands via Health Innovation East Midlands and Health Innovation West Midlands.
PERIPrem has also been recognised in several national reports, including the House of Lords – Preterm birth: reducing risks and improving lives – Preterm Birth Committee.
Rationale
Preterm birth is the single biggest cause of infant mortality and newborn brain injury in England. The NHS is aiming to reduce stillbirth, maternal and neonatal mortality, and serious brain injury in newborn infants by 50% by 2025.
PERIPrem implementation is continuing to demonstrate a reduction in preterm mortality and brain injury in the South West, and PERIPrem spread and adoption in the Midlands is currently being supported by other health innovation networks.
Key stakeholders
- Health Innovation South West co-launched and independently evaluated PERIPrem.
- Health Innovation West of England co-launched PERIPrem and hosts regular learning and sharing events, and signposting to PERIPrem resources.
- South West Neonatal Network supported the launch of PERIPrem.
Next steps
The Optimisation workstream features within the Patient Safety Collaborative commission for 2025/26 and we will look to continue to engage and work with our pre-term birth leads on maintaining/improving bundle elements. This will be by clinical lead trust visits, SIMs, and supporting education sessions, including perinatal QI, data reviews, and shared learning opportunities across the region.
PERIPrem work in the South West during 2024/25 has been a brilliant example of collaborative improvement, with perinatal teams across the region working together to enhance care for preterm babies. The project has a continued focus on reducing brain injury and mortality through evidence-based interventions and quality improvement. Opportunities for QI training and shared learning have strengthened clinical confidence and consistency in delivering the PERIPrem bundle elements. This year’s efforts have not only improved care but also deepened the region’s commitment to long-term, sustainable change.
Mary Leighton - Network Manager, South West Neonatal Network
