A scientific study will be launched to examine how this type of leave benefits not only parents financially, but also the baby from a medical perspective.
Following the national conference held last September, during which discussions on the NPICU Support Leave first began, talks have now continued at a technical level through a meeting with medical professionals. During this session, several clinical aspects related to the proposed leave were discussed.
Opening the technical meeting, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul thanked MP Romilda Zarb for drawing attention to this situation. He explained that the topic emerged from consultations on the Miscarriage Leave, which revealed several other important and relevant issues.
Ellul stated that, now that the Miscarriage Leave is in its final stages and is expected to come into force on 1 January of the coming year, work is progressing on a new type of leave for couples whose newborns require admission to the NPICU for intensive care.
He added that this initiative, together with the extension of Maternity and Paternity Leave, the strengthening of Parental Leave, and other family-support measures such as discussions on remote working, all serve to support Maltese and Gozitan families while promoting a healthier work-life balance.
During the technical meeting, Rita Pace Parascandalo delivered a presentation outlining the scientific study she has been tasked with leading. The study will examine how NPICU Support Leave can benefit parents not only financially, but also benefit the baby's physical health.
Pace Parascandalo explained that existing scientific evidence already shows that babies in intensive care recover more quickly when their parents spend more time with them. The upcoming study will therefore analyse the implications of this and explore the best way forward.
This meeting is one of a series in which medical professionals, academics, and parents who have experienced the NPICU journey will be able to share their insights, helping to determine the best possible model for how this leave should be introduced and implemented.