June marks SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) Awareness month. SANDS aims to raise awareness about stillbirth and neonatal deaths, and to improve bereavement care and support services.
Garratts recently represented Miss R in a claim for clinical negligence. Sadly, her baby had passed away. She attended hospital for delivery of her son. What followed was a very traumatic experience for Miss R, where there was a failure to follow acceptable practice as published by the National Bereavement Care Pathway and the Royal College of Nursing’s Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines. There was a failure to discuss with Miss R whether she wished to see her baby which would have afforded her the opportunity to create memories, Miss R was placed on a ward where the staff were inadequately trained to deal with bereaved parents and she was not referred for emotional support.
Miss R’s case helps to demonstrate the importance of bereavement care and how it requires improvement. The Trust involved in this case recognised their shortcomings. The successful clinical negligence claim for Miss R has led to the Trust discussing the specific issues with the team involved. They are also now re-writing their pathways for early pregnancy loss including particulars surrounding bereavement support and what resources can be offered to patients.
