Trust to offer more support to families following stillbirth

Stillbirth is an incredibly difficult and traumatic time for families. Here at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to delivering compassionate care, especially during such difficult and upsetting experiences.

With that in mind, we have recently received a donation of a cuddle cot from The Luca Foundation to help support grieving families following a stillbirth. The cuddle cot was funded with donations raised by Bibby Financial Services (BFS) in Banbury.

A cuddle cot is made up of a cooling pad that can be inserted into any type of baby bed, including Moses baskets, carry cots and prams. It slows down the natural changes in babies' bodies following stillbirth to allow their families to stay with them for longer.

Paula Gallacher, Bereavement Specialist Midwife at OUH, said: "The idea of a much-wished-for baby dying at birth is truly heart-breaking, and something no parent should ever have to think about. However, tragically, about 10 stillbirths happen every day in the UK and in most cases the cause of death is unknown.

"When a baby's death is confirmed in a hospital, whether it's a stillbirth or a neonatal death, they are normally taken to the hospital morgue straight away. Thanks to these special cots, the Trust can offer parents the choice to spend more time with their baby, which can help families cope with such a devastating loss."

The Luca Foundation was set up eight months ago by Sharon and Jas Luca-Chatha in memory of their son Luca, who was stillborn in June 2012. His name was later added to their surname to keep his name alive as promised to him by Sharon.

It works in partnership with leading mother and baby charity Baby Lifeline and has the mission to provide a cold cuddle cot for every maternity unit in the UK that needs one, and to fund training for the prevention of stillbirth.

Sharon Luca-Chatha said: "I was delighted that my recent employer, Bibby Financial Services, was happy to do some fundraising for my charity, and we agreed the cot would go to a maternity unit near them in Oxfordshire.

"We sadly did not have a cuddle cot when Luca died, and it became my mission to ensure all units across the UK had a cuddle cot to allow parents that much needed time to say their goodbyes to the angel baby and also know that we are willing to fund training to prevent stillbirths from occurring."

Sharon's former colleagues at Bibby Financial Services' Banbury office raised £2000, which included match funding from Bibby Line Group's Giving Something Back programme  to cover the cost of a cold cuddle cot for the Maternity Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The company fundraised through a series of quiz nights and bake sales.

Steven Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at BFS, said: "Giving something back is a big part of the culture at BFS, and all employees are encouraged to take part in volunteering and fundraising activities.

"It was fantastic to have the opportunity to support one of our former colleagues with a cause close to her heart, and to make a difference to the maternity ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital. The money raised came from departments and teams across the office who pulled together to help us hit our target."

Pictured: from left, Sharon Luca-Chatha, founder of The Luca Foundation, Paula Gallacher, OUH Bereavement Specialist Midwife, Sarah Wall SPMO Portfolio Support Analyst and Nick Sanders SPMO Manager at BFS.