indicate a need for further rationalising the provision and distribution of special care baby units. The case for this is further strengthened by our other findings. Even in the three well-endowed regions in this study it has not proved possible to staff and equip all officially recognised units to the standard recommended by the expert group. Moreover, since the group's report was published, increasing technological requirements together with inflation have made it a continuing struggle to maintain the standard of excellence required of the few units that provide intensive care for the illest babies. A further argument for rationalisation is the demonstration by Blake et a19 of the successful results of transporting sick babies when this is well organised by the intensive care nursery that is to receive the babies. Any replanning of nurseries must, however, take into account References