A PIONEEING training programme for neonatal nurses in Southampton is celebrating 20 years of improving care for vulnerable babies.

The first educational training programme for Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs) in the UK was launched at the University of Southampton two decades ago and has been hailed a huge success.

As well as boosting care and outcomes for babies many former students are now leading some small neonatal units across the UK.

Respected neonatal expert Professor Neil Marlow said: “I believe the development of ANNP training by the University of Southampton has been a very important factor in the promotion of quality neonatal care over the past 20 years and contributes significantly to improving outcomes for these vulnerable children.”