Introduction Term expected admissions contribute to the existing workload of a neonatal unit. Our aim was to assess this workload, the categories of babies and future planning of the service.

Methods Badger clinical records were audited for all term (37+0 weeks and above) admissions to the neonatal unit (NNU) in the last 3 financial years (01/04/09 to 31/03/13). Data was audited for the reason for admission and their outcomes.

Conclusions The main reason for term expected admission was due to antenatal cardiac abnormalities. This contributed to 26.3% of expected admissions. Abstinence contributed to 23.8% of expected admissions. We need to review how babies with maternal history of substance misuse are managed. This information is important when considering future neonatal capacity planning and centralising services.