National Assembly committee to hold inquiry into stillbirths

28 March 2012

A new inquiry by a National Assembly for Wales committee will examine what’s being done to reduce the incidence of stillbirths in Wales.

The Health and Social Care Committee is calling for submissions of evidence as part of its inquiry which will focus on the awareness, implementation and effectiveness of current guidance for both medical professionals and patients.

According to the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, there are approximately 4,000 stillbirths per year in the UK, equating to 11 every day.

Stillbirth accounts for ten times more infant mortalities than cot death.

“The exact causes of many stillbirths are still unexplainable although different contributing factors have been cited,” said Mark Drakeford AM, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee.

“During this inquiry, we will be paying particular attention to poor foetal growth and reduced foetal movements as well as what potential improvements can be made.

“We would welcome any submissions of evidence from people or organisations with experience of these sensitive issues.”

Anyone wishing to submit evidence to be considered as part of this inquiry can either write to: Clerk to the Health and Social Care Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA; or email, HSCCommittee@wales.gov.uk.

The closing date for submissions of evidence is Friday, 25 May 2012.