08/06/2004

Stillbirth charity gets £40,000 funding boost

A charity that supports parents and families whose baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth is to receive a £40,000 funding boost.

Health Minister Stephen Ladyman said that the extra money would help the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society - also known as Sands - to improve services like its helpline for the bereaved.

Over the next three years the money will also help the charity to continue its other work, which includes: developing support provided through its website; improving the quality of care provided by professionals for parents; and identifying and promoting ways to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

"This will provide anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby with an invaluable support network," Mr Ladyman said.

The Department of Health has provided Sands with £50,400 since 2001-02 to pilot the helpline and develop its website. The new funding will further increase the charity's resources and will be allocated over the next three years.

(gmcg)

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