Sands and partners working on the National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) for pregnancy and baby loss, are delighted to announce that the project will be extended to Scotland from April onwards, thanks to £94,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

The NBCP seeks to improve the quality of, and reduce the inequity in the bereavement care provided to parents and families when a baby dies before, during or shortly after birth.

Sands will work with the Scottish Government, a number of baby loss charities and other healthcare partners in Scotland to develop the approach over the next two years, with the plan to pilot, implement and embed the NBCP across Scotland by March 2020.

Five experiences of pregnancy or baby loss are included in the NBCP including miscarriage, termination of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, stillbirth, neonatal death and the sudden unexpected death of an infant up to 12 months.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “This £94,000 funding, which will allow implementation of the National Bereavement Care Pathway in pilot sites across Scotland, will ensure all bereaved parents are offered high quality, sensitive bereavement care.

“I am also pleased that the Pathway will support our long-term plans for the delivery of high quality maternity and neonatal care in Scotland.”

The development of the NBCP in Scotland will be overseen by a Scottish steering group that will be established soon.  

Kate Mulley, Director of Research, Education and Policy at Sands, said: “I am thrilled that we are able to start work in Scotland and continue to develop the National Bereavement Care Pathway. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Scottish Government and the Sands support groups in Scotland who have contributed to the funding of this vital project which will make a difference to so many families.”

For further information on the NBCP visit: www.nbcpathway.org.uk