08/11/2025
A big step forward for father-inclusive care.
NHS England has announced that from December, it will begin adding fathers and second parents to babies' health records using data from birth registrations.
It might sound like a small change, but it’s a hugely significant one. For the first time, the NHS will formally recognise that dads’ health, just like mums', is deeply connected to their babies' wellbeing.
Until now, a baby’s health record has been automatically linked to their mum’s records but not their dad’s. This new move marks an important first step towards a more complete picture of family health.
"We know that outcomes for babies are best when they are supported by a network of loving adults. Dads are an important part of that picture, but until now they haven’t been formally recognised on their baby’s health record. This announcement might sound technical, but for babies and their families it marks a vital step forward."
-Dr Matt Price, Director of Research & Grants, 1001 Critical Days Foundation
Huge thanks to Samantha Callan OBE and Lord Farmer for revealing this milestone via a Parliamentary Question https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-10-13/hl10891
At The 1001 Critical Days Foundation, we’ll continue our work to improve how "dad data" is collected, shared and used, because better data means better engagement, support and safeguarding for families.
