Understand
Calls to give parents in Wales a voice in stillbirth and baby death reviews
Overview
Baby loss charities Sands and Tommy's are calling on the Welsh government to ensure bereaved parents are supported to contribute to reviews of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Parents in Wales have shared their struggles with long waits for answers, lack of compassionate care, and difficulties navigating investigations into baby loss.
Key points
- Baby loss charities Sands and Tommy's want bereaved parents' voices placed on an equal footing during reviews of baby deaths.
- Parents Brooke and Wil Rees-Webb reported waiting 10 months for answers following the death of their newborn son Gwilym at 11 days old.
- Charities and campaigners highlight inconsistent care, defensive responses from health boards, and a lack of timely investigation results in Wales.
- The Welsh government stated it is committed to ensuring families receive compassionate care and is considering calls to set national targets to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths.