Diocesan News
Cork chaplain helps to develop bereavement care standards
The Health Service Executive’s National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death have been launched by the Minister for Health, Mr Simon Harris TD. The new standards were developed by a group of 21 professionals and researchers involved in perinatal bereavement care, including Cork Healthcare Chaplain Dr Daniel Nuzum. The standards focus on four areas: bereavement care; the hospital; the baby and parents; and the staff.
Dr Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician and Senior Lecturer, Cork University Maternity Hospital, has been appointed to lead the implementation of the new standards nationally. Dr O’Donoghue explained: “The publication of these standards marks another significant step forward for the health services and is a direct expression of our commitment to compassionate care for patients. All Maternity Hospitals/Units will now establish or develop further Bereavement Specialist Teams to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss.
“These teams will comprise staff members who have undertaken specialist and extensive education in bereavement care and will include a dedicated clinical midwife specialist in bereavement care for each maternity unit. They will be supported in their work by staff from other disciplines including obstetricians, paediatricians, neonatologists, chaplains, social workers and palliative care teams. The new standards also acknowledge the impact of pregnancy loss and perinatal death on staff and the importance of having formal structures in place to support staff. ”
Daniel Nuzum, who was also present at the launch, commented: “The introduction of national bereavement standards means that all bereaved parents can expect to receive the same high level of care in all our maternity units and that sensitive, compassionate and professional care will be available to all who have to come to terms with the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby before or shortly after birth.
“The standards also clearly highlight the importance of supportive and clinical care for parents and families who receive a diagnosis that their baby has a life–limiting condition which for some may be fatal. As a chaplain I am pleased that the standards recognise the physical, spiritual, emotional and social impact of perinatal bereavement and the importance of good team–work in the care we provide to bereaved families.”
The standards can be read in full on the Health Service Executive website.
Diocesan Media & Information Technology Officer
087 7055 989
Ms Denise Stobart
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