Using clinical judgement, consider completing a course of intravenous antibiotics outside of hospital (for example, at home or through visits to a midwifery-led unit) in babies who are well and for whom there are no ongoing concerns if there is adequate local support. See also the section on switching to oral antibiotics for babies with early-onset neonatal infection. [2012, amended 2026]
When deciding on the appropriate care setting for a baby, take into account the baby's clinical needs and the competencies needed to ensure safe and effective care (for example, the insertion and care of intravenous cannulas). [2012]
For babies who have had an infection, tell their GP (and health visitor if relevant), and explain any follow-up plans. [2024]
Tell the parents and carers who their main point of contact will be after discharge. [2024]
Document the follow-up plan for managing complications in the discharge summary. [2024]
The hospital team should coordinate with the following professionals for care after discharge:
tertiary and primary care and other specialists
allied professionals and community teams that will be involved in follow-up (for example, audiology and speech and language therapy departments). [2024]
For a short explanation of why the committee made these recommendations and how they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on planning for care after discharge.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review O: long-term complications and follow-up for bacterial meningitis, evidence review P: information for confirmed bacterial meningitis and evidence review Q: support for confirmed bacterial meningitis.