National Assembly Committee holds inquiry into stillbirths in Wales

26 June 2012

The National Assembly for Wales’s Health and Social Care Committee will hold a one-day inquiry into stillbirths in Wales on Thursday 28 June.

The inquiry will focus on the awareness, implementation and effectiveness of current guidance for medical professionals and patients in relation to stillbirths.

According to the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, there are around 4,000 stillbirths every year in the UK, equating to 11 every day. Stillbirth accounts for ten times more infant mortalities than cot death.

“The death of a baby is a devastating experience for any parent. The exact cause of many stillbirths is unexplainable although we are aware of a number of contributing factors,” said Mark Drakeford AM, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee.

“During our one-day inquiry we will be focusing on poor fetal growth and reduced fetal movements, as well as paying attention to what potential improvements can be made to care and health services.”