Question reference: S6W-11315
- Asked by: Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 September 2022
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Maree Todd on 30 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the further investigations into the increase of neonatal deaths in March 2022.
Answer
The Scottish Government has commissioned Healthcare Improvement Scotland to lead a national review to understand any contributing factors to the increase in neonatal mortality during 2021-22. The review will cover reported neonatal deaths across Scotland between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 and be informed by relevant data and clinical expertise. It will assess and determine whether there are any themes, underlying causes or safety factors that have contributed to the increased neonatal mortality rate, from both a clinical and system perspective. Key learning points will be identified and recommendations for improvements in the quality of care should be made.
Families affected by this review can seek support from a number of organisations, should they wish to do so. Further information on help available can be found at: www.mygov.scot/child-baby-death and on the National Bereavement Care Pathways Scotland website at: www.nbcpscotland.org.uk/covid-19/signposting-support/