Neonatal tool

The Neonatal tool is part of a suite of tools. These tools help NHS Scotland services plan the number of staff they need.  

This tool is used by nurses and midwives working in neonatal intensive care units.  


The tool

The tool provides information, and a rWTE (recommended whole time equivalent) for staffing based on the workload data entered. Data is gathered for each neonate under 10 defined categories. The scores from each of the categories are added together. This results in infant related workload.

How to use this tool

The Neonatal tool is completed twice in 24 hours: once for day shift and once for night shift. This tool is designed for daily data, entry across the year, to explore the peaks and troughs of the neonatal workload. The current national recommendation is to run the tools for a two-week period, at least once per year. 

Use this tool alongside the Professional judgement (PJ) tool

The outputs from these tools can be used as part of the Common Staffing Method, to inform safe and effective staffing for your service. 

The following video guides and documents provide information on completing this tool.  

They provide detailed information from how to log in to how to gather and submit data. 

Resources to support you

ResourceSourceWhat it is and what it is for
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What it is and what it is for
Step by step guide to background of the Neonatal Tool and data collection 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What it is and what it is for
Step by step guide to uploading data onto SSTS platform 
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What it is and what it is for
User guide on using the Neonatal staffing level tool 
ResourceSource
TURAS
What it is and what it is for
A variety of learning resources to support understanding workload and workforce planning and the application of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019
ResourceSource
Healthcare Improvement Scotland 
What it is and what it is for
Printable checklist to aid tool run preparation and delivery