Neonatal Care Unit

An updated revision of HPU 390 Neonatal Care Unit (Revision 8, December 2025) has been uploaded on the AusHFG website. The revised version has been informed by an extensive consultation process with clinicians, technical experts and consumer representatives.  Key changes to the document include:

• Integration of neonatal care design principles to guide the planning and design of neonatal care units, supporting improved short- and long-term outcomes for newborns.
• Expanded design and spatial considerations for newborns requiring prolonged non-invasive ventilation, such as humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) oxygen and/or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
• Enhanced planning and design guidance relating to newborn retrieval and transfer services.
• Updated recommendations on nitric oxide usage, introducing the requirement for a risk assessment in situations where gas scavenging may be necessary.
• Recommendation that decentralised ‘Office - Clinical Workrooms’ are provided on large units enabling medical and nursing staff to maintain close observation of newborns while performing administrative tasks.
• Additional guidance for family lounge, overnight stay facilities, including bedrooms and associated ensuites within or adjacent to the Neonatal Care Unit, to promote equity of access for families.