Objective To study parental perception of staff communication, and to relate this to baby and parent characteristics, and overall satisfaction of care.

Methods This is a prospective questionnaire study. Parents of babies admitted to the Neonatal Unit were approached at the time of or soon after baby’s discharge/transfer/death. Data collected on baby and parent characteristics with staff communication.

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

Results A total of 397 parents were approached and 210 (52.9%) responded. Out of the 210 respondents, 82 (39%) babies were admitted for over 28 days. The median gestational age was 29 weeks and birth weight 1095 gms. The median duration of admission was 57.5 days.

74 (90.2%) of parents reported that they had regular updates (everyday or 2–5 times weekly), while 8 (9.8%) felt they had not been seen or seen irregularly. 68 (82.9%) of parents reported overall satisfaction with care and 4 (4.9%) were dissatisfied. When asked whether doctors or nurses were the better communicators, 19 (23.1%) indicated doctors, while 16 (19.5%) indicated nurses. However 31 (37.8%) reported no significant difference, again 16 (19.5%) left this section blank.

There was no significant association between baby or parent characteristics and parents’ perception of communication, and satisfaction with care.

Conclusions Majority of parents were updated regularly and satisfied with overall care provided. It is vital, therefore to provide regular and proper parent communication to ensure parental satisfaction with overall care.