Over the last three years the neonatal and maternity teams at Newcastle Hospitals have worked in partnership with bereaved parents to develop online learning courses focused on baby loss, designed for healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care.
The training aims to support staff to deliver compassionate, effective care to bereaved parents, which can significantly impact a family’s wellbeing and recovery.
Although the courses are aimed at UK NHS staff, through the Future Learn partnership, the trust has been able to engage more than 2,500 learners from over 95 countries.
Training courses include ‘Managing uncertainty in perinatal medicine and palliative care’, ‘Lactation after loss’ and ‘Baby loss from a multiple pregnancy.’ These courses are free for NHS staff and can be accessed via the NHS Learning Hub, with a CPD certificate awarded upon completion.
The materials have been co-produced with bereaved parents and international experts from a range of disciplines including psychology, nursing, and midwifery.
Courses are also available to non-NHS staff (academics, students, parents etc.) via the Future Learn platform, although free access is time-limited to 4 weeks.
Nick Embleton, consultant in neonatal paediatrics, commented: “Over my 30-year career, I have always been struck by the power of listening to parents and patients, especially those who suffered a bereavement, rather than simply reading about their experiences in papers or books. These courses bring the parent voice and their concerns together with the insight of recognised experts sharing learning and good practice in communication when faced by the unique challenges of baby loss.”
The courses are continuously updated and deal with topics relevant to day-to-day practice in neonates, maternity care, and paediatrics. They are also widely endorsed by major charities and advocacy groups including Tiny Lives, Sands, Bliss and Child Bereavement UK (CBUK).
Kelly Blakeney, CEO of Tiny Lives, said: ‘‘Losing a baby is every parent’s worst nightmare. The words and actions of healthcare professionals stay with them for a lifetime. With the right training, staff can offer not just medical care, but compassion, comfort, and dignity when it matters most. That’s why Tiny Lives proudly stepped in to part-fund this vital project – because we recognise just how important this work is.”
To find out more or access the learning materials, visit: https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/newcastle-hospitals
