Extra support for parents with babies in neonatal care

Wednesday 19 July 2023

Parents of premature babies, or babies requiring neonatal care, will receive extra support during the first three months of their child’s life, after politicians unanimously backed a Reform Jersey Deputy's proposal.

Deputy Raluca Kovacs argued that the current law "does not adequately address the needs of parents" in this situation and that there were "negative consequences" if they could not afford to take more time off work, such as missing out on bonding time and breastfeeding opportunities.

She added that the proposition would allow the Assembly to show parents "that they were not alone in their journey".

In her proposition, Deputy Kovacs suggested a grant payment, similar to the current paid parental allowance of £246.89 per week, to run alongside existing unpaid leave up to a maximum of 12 weeks, however she reiterated that she had left the proposition open for officers to decide.

Pictured: Deputy Kovacs said in the debate that "having a preterm baby is not a choice".

Social Security Minister Elaine Millar supported the proposition and pledged to find "a solution that will work for Jersey".

She had previously amended it to allow her until the end of 2024, as opposed to June 2024, to bring the proposals for approval by the Assembly.

Now that it has passed, she will include the work in her 2024 delivery plan and will seek to bid for funding in the 2025 Government Plan, if necessary.