Case studies
Rolling out a consistent approach to newborn assessment
September 16, 2026
Barts Health NHS Trust set out to introduce the Newborn Early Warning Trigger and Track Tool (NEWTT2) across The Royal London Hospital, Whipps Cross University Hospital and Newham Hospital.
The priority was to create a consistent approach to newborn assessment and escalation across three hospital sites, while helping staff feel confident using the new tool, understand the changes from previous practice and embed it safely into everyday care.
What we did
UCLPartners worked with Barts Health to design and deliver a structured implementation programme focused on workforce readiness, clear governance and long-term adoption.
A dedicated neonatal nurse role provided practical support across maternity and neonatal services, delivering training, coaching frontline teams and helping staff apply NEWTT2 confidently in practice.
UCLPartners also supported a comprehensive training package covering the PIER framework, escalation processes, parental concerns and the differences between NEWTT1 and NEWTT2. The programme included clear implementation plans, updated clinical guidance, regular engagement with clinical teams and opportunities for feedback. This helped build shared understanding and readiness for change across all sites.
A phased approach was used, starting with paper-based implementation so staff could become familiar with the tool before the planned move to a fully digital system.
Impact
The programme supported strong staff engagement and successful adoption of NEWTT2 across the Trust.
By combining practical training, clear governance, multidisciplinary collaboration and dedicated implementation leadership, Barts Health has established a more consistent approach to newborn monitoring and escalation.
This has strengthened patient safety, improved staff confidence and created a strong foundation for the planned digital rollout in 2027, offering a practical model for implementation across a large, multi-site organisation.