New NHS service offered to bereaved parents in Glasgow

Parents trying to come to terms with the loss of a child are to benefit from a new service introduced by NHSGGC.

The new service will provide support for families in the immediate aftermath of bereavement, as well as in the year following the loss of their child and is being funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Counseling and support will also be offered to staff and teams, and bereavement training for staff involved in caring for a family whose child is dying will be available. Child Bereavement UK has been awarded a three year contract to carry out the important work.

Kevin Hill, Director of Women and Children’s Services within NHSGGC said: “The death of a child is something which is unthinkable and has a significant impact on any family facing it. This new service has been developed to give the best support we can to parents and families in these saddest of circumstances. It will also equip our staff to deal with this in a caring and professional way.

“The service is being funded thanks to the ongoing support of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Extensive discussions have taken place with our staff to determine the best way to provide support to families and the invaluable information provided by this group has helped us to create this service, which we know will greatly benefit parents.”

Shona Cardle, Chief Executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “It was really important that we were able to contribute to the support that is now being offered to patients, parents and staff following the loss of a child. I am sure this will be an invaluable service, and we are pleased to be able to help support parents and families during the most harrowing of times.