Maternity Bereavement Team Shortlisted for National Award

---

West Middlesex midwives recognised for their response to the needs of patients

Just six months after the creation of the bereavement service at West Middlesex University Hospital they have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The midwives at West Middlesex are one of three teams to have been shortlisted for the Royal College of Midwives’ (RCM) National Maternity Support Foundation Award for Bereavement Care.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony attended by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal – Patron of The Royal College of Midwives - on 27th January 2010 at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London.

Julia Lidderdale, the new bereavement midwife said,“It is not possible to imagine the impact that a pregnancy loss has for each parent; no assumptions should be made about how much pain and grief a parent suffers, what is important is that staff accept, acknowledge and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Although all midwives have training and experience in caring for women after pregnancy loss, having a designated specialist available to co ordinate the care, provide counselling and practical advice offers increased support to our families and to our staff.”

The reasons the midwives have been shortlisted for the award are, according to the RCM: “The Queen Mary Maternity Unit listened and responded to the needs of women and staff by creating the new role of bereavement midwife. This was identified as a high priority by both the staff and The West London Stillbirth and Neonatal charity. This role provides a specifically designated, consistent specialist to offer emotional support, practical guidance and help in ensuring that complicated procedures and paperwork are completed. Strong links have been forged with key staff such as the chaplaincy team, administrative staff, senior and practice development midwives, nurses and patient affairs; a bespoke bereavement room has been designated and a robust educational strategy put in place for training staff.”

Since being shortlisted for the award, further improvements have been implemented to benefit the service. Women with previous pregnancy loss are now assigned a dedicated midwife who looks after them throughout their pregnancy and is on call to deliver their baby, ensuring continuity of care. Links have been forged with the Hounslow Bereavement services, to offer families ongoing support and counseling if required.

Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “I am delighted that the midwives at West Middlesex have been shortlisted for this award. Their work typifies the professionalism of midwives and highlights the innovative work that they and others are doing. It also shows the dedication and determination from midwives and support workers to improve the services they provide for women and babies.”

Andrew Canter, Chairman of the National Maternity Support Foundation, said: “It is with great pride that we congratulate the West Middlesex bereavement midwives on being shortlisted for the bereavement care award. It is fantastic to see at first-hand how their important work makes a real difference to so many people under very difficult circumstances. We were extremely impressed by the exacting standards of care demonstrated throughout and the passion shown by the midwives involved.”

January 25, 2010