NBCP

The National Bereavement Care Pathway

The National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) is a framework led by Sands which is designed to improve the quality and consistency of bereavement care provided to parents in NHS trusts in the UK following pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. This pathway ensures that all bereaved parents receive compassionate, high-quality care, regardless of where they live. All Trusts in England have signed up to the pathway, all 14 NHS Scotland boards have joined the programme, and the team are working with partners in Wales and Northern Ireland to develop national pathways.

Core Aspects of the NBCP:

  1. Nine Core Standards: The NBCP is built around nine core standards that aim to ensure best practices are followed in bereavement care. These standards cover various aspects of care, from communication and emotional support to ensuring that parents are provided with relevant information and that staff are adequately trained.
  2. Guidance for Five Key Experiences: The pathway includes specific guidance materials tailored for five different experiences:

These materials are regularly updated with input from both parents who have experienced loss and healthcare professionals, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

    • Miscarriage
    • Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly
    • Stillbirth
    • Neonatal death
    • Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)

Objectives of the NBCP:

  • Consistency of Care: One of the main goals is to ensure that every parent receives the same high standard of care, regardless of their location or the specific circumstances of their loss.
  • Comprehensive Support: The pathway aims to address the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of bereaved parents, recognizing the profound impact of pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
  • Continuous Improvement: The NBCP is designed to evolve over time, with regular updates informed by the latest research, feedback from parents, and insights from healthcare professionals.

In summary, the NBCP seeks to provide a standardised, compassionate, and comprehensive approach to bereavement care within the NHS, ensuring that all parents receive the support they need during such a difficult time. Further information can be found on the NBCP website.