End of life care in a fresh air space – a case report

It is challenging for health care professionals (HCPs) to support palliative care within the stressful environment of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Access to a fresh air space can provide families with a choice around how to manage end of life care whilst collaborative working within a standard operating procedure can support HCPs to feel empowered. A neonate, born with an unexpected congenital genetic disorder, requiring significant therapy to manage her diagnosis was facilitated to spend time with family in a fresh air space. Collaborative working by HCPs enabled the infant to be transferred to the organisations intensive care garden where the families end of life wishes could be fulfilled. Parental reflections of the experience demonstrated the positive impact of fresh air space in providing normality and memorable moments in a non-clinical environment. The HCPs involved felt proud and privileged to be able to fulfil the families wishes and shared their learning within a local standard operating procedure (SOP) to support subsequent transfers to the intensive care garden. Collaborative working strengthens the choices and opportunities available to families. Safe transfer to outdoor space is feasible and provides personalisation of care in a non-clinical environment. Preparation is key and risk can be manged through discussions with the family and the use of a SOP.