French Public Health Code
In forceIn all neonatology units which do not provide intensive neonatal care, the following must be ensured :
1° The presence, during the day, on site of at least one paediatrician with proven experience in neonatology ;
2° The presence, at night, on site or on call, of at least one paediatrician with proven experience in neonatology;
3° The continuous presence of at least one nurse, specialised in childcare or experienced in neonatology, for every six new-born babies.
In any neonatology unit providing intensive neonatal care, the following must be ensured :
1° The permanent presence every day of the year, twenty-four hours a day, of at least one paediatrician with proven experience in neonatology ;
2° The continuous presence of one nurse, specialised in childcare or experienced in neonatology, for every three newborn babies.
Whether or not the neonatology unit provides intensive care, these paramedical staff are assigned exclusively to the unit and may not have other concomitant duties in another unit.
The management of paramedical staff may be shared between the neonatology unit and the neonatal intensive care unit if these units are located in close proximity to each other.
One of the paediatricians coordinates the care of newborn babies between the obstetrics and neonatology units.
The unit organises reception, information and support for parents, if necessary with the assistance of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
