The bereavement team, who provide compassionate and committed care for families after the death of their baby following a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, have been shortlisted for the RCM Annual Midwifery Awards 2017.

Nominated for the SANDS Bereavement Care Award category, the team have been recognised for their excellence in bereavement care provision by maternity staff for women and their families.

The Trust team of midwives and maternity support workers were nominated for working above and beyond to care for, not only families, but also each other. Initiatives to care for the bereavement team have involved asking staff how they would like to be supported, improving lines of communication and implementing restorative supervision for staff as a group and individually.

Clare Beesley, bereavement support midwife, said:

“Our approach to care is always a family-centered one, led by parents so they have accurate information at a time that’s right for them. Care is always unhurried, non-judgmental and families are supported with their decisions, creating an environment where they feel safe and cared for. We’re a busy multi-site Trust, but our team run a flexible 24 hour service to meet individual, personal, religious, cultural requirements.

“I am very proud of the teams’ dedication and delighted to have been short-listed for the RCM Annual Midwifery Awards.”

The awards event takes place on Tuesday 7 March and we’d like to wish the team all the very best of luck!