What the Department of Health and Social Care Says About Baby Tagging Systems

Keeping newborns safe in busy maternity environments is a core responsibility for NHS Trusts across the UK. In recognition of this, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) sets out clear guidance on maternity unit security in its publication, Health Building Note (HBN) 09-02: Maternity Care Facilities.

This official guidance provides best practice for the design and operation of secure maternity units, outlining how electronic baby tagging systems and integrated security protocols protect both infants and staff.

Below, we explore what the DHSC recommends, how baby tagging fits within those requirements, and how the XTAG® Baby Tagging System fully aligns with the expectations of both the DHSC and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

DHSC Guidance: Security in Maternity Units

In HBN 09-02, Section 3.12–3.21, the DHSC outlines security standards that all maternity facilities should follow. The guidance states:

“A robust and reliable baby security system should be enforced, such as baby tagging, closed-circuit television (CCTV), [and] alarmed mattresses.”

It continues to stress the importance of creating a secure environment in which:

• Access to newborn care areas is restricted and monitored.
• Entry and exit points are minimised and controlled using access control systems (biometric or proximity-based systems are preferred over keypads).
• CCTV and baby tagging systems are fully integrated and centrally monitored.

“An integrated security system should link the building/fire door alarm system to the baby tagging and CCTV systems to an appropriate monitoring station.”

The DHSC further recommends that maternity units:

• Display clear signage alerting visitors that baby tagging and CCTV are in operation (3.18).
• Ensure that security measures do not impede emergency care or safe transfer of mothers and infants (3.19).
• Balance security and reassurance with a welcoming atmosphere for families (3.20).

Why the DHSC Recommends Baby Tagging Systems

The DHSC’s position reflects lessons learned from previous NHS incidents involving infant abductions and security breaches. Electronic baby tagging systems are recognised as one of the most effective deterrents against unauthorised removal of newborns.

Each tag is uniquely assigned to a baby and paired with their mother’s records, providing:

• Instant alerts if a tagged baby is moved toward a secure exit without authorisation.
• Real-time location monitoring within defined zones.
• Audit trails for clinical safety reviews or incident investigations.

In short, baby tagging adds an additional layer of protection - not only for the infant, but also for the NHS staff and Trust reputation.

How the XTAG Baby Tagging System Meets DHSC and CQC Recommendations

At XTAG Medical, we have designed the XTAG® Baby Tagging System to align directly with the DHSC’s and CQC’s standards for maternity security and clinical governance.

• Fully Integrated Security: XTAG integrates seamlessly with existing NHS access control, CCTV, and fire alarm systems, ensuring compliance with HBN 09-02, paragraph 3.17. This interoperability allows hospital estates and IT teams to manage alerts from a single monitoring station, reducing response times in security events.
• Signage Supplied: XTAG provide hospitals with clear signage to alert visitors that baby tagging is in operation, ensuring compliance with HBN 09-02, paragraph 3.18.
• Reliable and Non-Intrusive: Our RFID-based tags are tamper-proof, water-resistant, and designed for comfort and hygiene in neonatal environments - supporting infection control protocols referenced throughout HBN 09-02.
• Regulatory Compliance: XTAG operates in compliance with Department of Health and Social Care guidance (HBN 09-02), Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards for safe maternity environments and the NHS Digital Digital cybersecurity requirements, including data encryption and privacy controls.

Building Confidence in Maternity Safety

The DHSC guidance makes it clear: baby tagging systems are a recommended safeguard to protect newborns in NHS maternity facilities.

By combining secure access control, digital monitoring, and staff accountability, the XTAG® Baby Tagging System provides NHS Trusts with a future-ready solution that supports:

• Compliance with national guidance
• Staff confidence and patient reassurance
• Enhanced safeguarding in busy maternity units