The loss of a baby or child is a deeply sad and upsetting time. Our Bereavement Service is here to support you and your family as much as possible, guiding you through some of the practical steps that need to be taken as well as things you may wish to think about as a family together.
The Children’s Bereavement Service aims to provide a single point of contact after the death of a baby, child or young person in hospital, while being cared for by our community services or at home. We understand that this can be an overwhelming and traumatic time for parents, family members and carers. Our Rainbow Pack, written in partnership with families, includes guides and explanations for some of the steps that need to be taken after a child dies, for parents and families to read in their own time, whenever they feel ready.
Help and support from the Bereavement Service might include:
Advice and information about practical issues following bereavement, including registering a death, and arranging a funeral.
Information about bereavement support for families, including siblings.
Information about the Child Death Review programme.
How to contact us
Our Bereavement Coordinator for Children’s Services across NHS Lothian is Jennifer Pyper. Jennifer will usually make contact with a child’s parents or next of kin after a child has died. She can also be reached by telephone on 07583 138619. Please don’t be afraid to ask if you have any questions or need further information. The NHS Lothian Bereavement Service can also be contacted directly.
Bereavement support and information for families
- NHS Lothian Bereavement Service
- Child Bereavement UK
- Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
- Held in our Hearts
- Richmond’s Hope
- SANDS (stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
- Scottish Cot Death Trust
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
- Winston’s Wish
Remembering your child
Our teams can help a family to remember their child, if they’d like to, when the time feels right. There are a number of ways that this can be done, including an entry in our Memorial Book, support from our Spiritual Care team or joining our annual Memorial Service. Find out more on the memorial page.
