Uneven provision of bereavement care across UK

A recent survey has highlighted that bereavement care across the UK may not all be sufficient to meet requirements.  The survey, conducted by SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity, aimed to review the state of bereavement services prior to the parliamentary debate into baby loss last month.

SANDS recommend that parents have access to a dedicated, specially trained bereavement midwife and at least one sound proofed bereavement room, including equipment such as cold cots, and facilities to accommodate aftercare.

Of the 79 Trusts and Health Boards who responded, 38% of maternity units that they cover, did not have a specialist bereavement midwife. Bereavement training is only mandatory in 46% of Trusts and Health Boards, where training is mandatory, two-thirds carry out training annually and 86% provide an hour or less for this training. One in ten Trusts or Health Boards surveyed did not have a dedicated bereavement room.

Dr Clea Harmer, SANDS CEO, commented: “The death of a baby can be devastating for expectant parents.  The impact empathetic, sensitive, individualised care has on parents is huge. They remember the care they receive, and good care can make a significant difference to their memories of that difficult experience and therefore positively impact on their grieving. A bad experience is likely to exacerbate feelings of pain and grief for bereaved parents, potentially for many years to come…

It’s therefore crucial that Trusts and Health Boards have the right resources and policies in place to ensure bereaved parents receive the personalised care they need, and that staff are properly trained and supported to be able to provide this.”

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