MP calls for extra support for bereaved parents
A city MP has urged Ministers to bring in improved support for bereaved parents and families.
Emma Reynolds said it was "not good enough" that bereaved parents were unable to access specialist psychological support across the majority of the UK.
She has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling for extra support.
The Wolverhampton North East MP has made the plea during the 17th annual Baby Loss Awareness Week, which is an opportunity for those affected by baby loss to unite with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives and lost pregnancies.
Wolverhampton has the highest rate of stillbirths in the West Midlands, and has the second highest rate for deaths of babies within the first week of life.
Ms Reynolds said: "Losing a baby is devastating for parents. Yet in nearly nine out of 10 areas of the UK, bereaved parents cannot access specialist psychological support, and the majority cannot access the support they need on the NHS.
"This is not good enough.
"Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.
"I have written to the Health Secretary to ask what additional support can be provided to bereaved parents.”
Visit www.babyloss-awareness.org for more information.
