Table 1

Reported cot establishment and activity levels in UK neonatal intensive care units

Establishment and activity variables (reported per annum)Median (interquartile range)Minimum-maximum rangeNICU total 186 (% item response)
Total number of admissions318 (262-405)48-1020186 (100%)
Total number of cots in NICU18 (14-22)4-55186 (100%)
Total number of IC level 1 cots4 (2-6)01-150-16186 (100%)
Total number of infants ventilated or given CPAPTotal 174 (94%)
 Counts only infants supported by endotracheal tube52 (32-83)10-26933 (18%)
 Counts infants supported by endotraceal tube, face mask or nasal prongs66 (40-113)12-310141 (76%)
Total number of ventilator daysTotal 150 (80%)
 Counts only for support by endotracheal tube281 (139-817)19-268834 (18%)
 Counts for support by endotracheal tube, face mask and nasal prongs451 (205-968)13-3324116 (62%)
Total number of VLBW infants admitted40 (28-68)2-227182 (95%)
  • 1-150 4 NICUs reported and verified that they did deliver sustained intensive care support despite having no designated IC level 1 cots.

  • CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure; VLBW = very low birthweight (<1500 g).