Government announcement of baby loss bereavement leave welcomed by Trust
Our Trust has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of two weeks' bereavement leave for those who have lost their baby.
In 2021, we were the first organisation in the NHS to offer a unique support package, including paid leave, to any colleague facing the heartbreak of losing their baby.
In partnership with Trade Unions and midwifery specialists, we introduced the policy to help colleagues, but also to break the stigma of talking about pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, medical termination and intended parenting.
Chief People Officer, Raffaela Goodby, said: “As a specialist centre supporting families who experience pregnancy loss, we led from the front to ensure our 6,000 staff had time to start to process the physical and emotional impact of losing their much-wanted baby.
“Since 2021, we’ve been pleased to be able to support other organisations and, ultimately, the wider NHS, who proudly introduced a model pregnancy loss policy, with paid leave for parents and partners for all 1.6 million NHS staff in England in March 2024.
“We’ve also been involved in research, advocacy and presenting evidence to Government Select Committees, with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Tommy’s and partners, that has led to the changes announced by the Prime Minister.”
The Trust has led the way in specialist bereavement support for families and staff. It has established specialist bereavement centres with Magnolia House at our Children’s Hospital, Woodland House at our Women’s Hospital and its dedicated Rainbow Clinic, which supports those who have previously had a miscarriage through any future pregnancy.
Researchers at the Trust continue to work with the miscarriage charity Tommy’s. The Trust will recognise Baby Loss Awareness Week in October and host a special church service for families during this time.
Raffael added: “We are immensely proud of the part we and our Trade Unions have played in raising awareness, breaking taboos and bringing about change. This announcement is another positive step in providing support to any family experiencing the heartbreak of losing their baby.”