Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has thanked Tommy’s for our work to improve care around pregnancy loss and shared his desire to bring about change for those affected.
Marking the launch of a new report into experiences of pregnancy loss from our partners at Stylist magazine, Mr Streeting said:
“Your work has helped lay the groundwork for an open, honest conversation about baby loss to improve care and the barriers to receiving it.
“It’s clear that this is an area where support has traditionally been lacking, and I’m determined to help change that.”
The report – part of our Every Loss Counts campaign with Stylist – includes the stories of more than 90 women who have experienced pregnancy loss.
Its publication follows a meeting last month at which Mr Streeting met Stylist editors along with Tommy’s Chief Executive, Kath Abrahams, and our Ambassador, Myleene Klass MBE.
Myleene was one of three women at the event who shared their personal experiences of pregnancy loss with the Health and Social Care Secretary.
After hearing their stories, Mr Streeting said he was ‘struck by how fundamental the failures are at the moment’.
The Every Loss Counts report includes a call for the Government to begin counting and recording miscarriages and pregnancy loss, so we have a clearer picture of the scale of the problem and a better understanding of who is affected.
It says women experiencing pregnancy loss should never be forced to share healthcare space with those whose pregnancies are continuing successfully, and recommends empathy training for staff who have direct contact with newly bereaved parents.
Mr Streeting told Stylist:
“I expect all women to be shown the utmost care and respect when losing a baby. But from listening to your harrowing stories, it is clear this is far from the reality.
“It has also become clear that women don’t always know how to access the right support after such a traumatic experience. That’s something I really want to change.
“Women’s voices must always be heard and this is in part a cultural shift that requires wider reform.”
Kath Abrahams said:
“No-one could fail to be moved by the experiences of baby loss that were shared with Wes Streeting at our meeting.
“Each was unique and painfully personal – but as Mr Streeting reflected, together they underline just how much needs to change across the system.
“I was particularly pleased to be able to talk to him about the 'Graded Model of Care' - a new approach being piloted by researchers at Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, where care and support is offered after every miscarriage, with testing and investigations increasing with each loss.
“In a year where change is on the horizon for the NHS, it's vital that maternity care is high on the agenda for this government.
“While we are encouraged that the health secretary is listening to our calls to improve miscarriage care, we next need the government to drive forward more fundamental changes to help tackle the devastating impact of baby loss. Tommy's will continue to work with the government to bring about change that families so urgently need.”
