Staff Support

Staff involved in the sudden and unexpected death of an infant (SUDI) may find the experience particularly challenging. SUDIs do not occur very often compared to other emergency situations they may be faced with in their duties. Due to the investigative process, staff involvement may be prolonged yet it may be that no explanation is discovered as to why the infant died.

It may be of benefit to any staff involved to have a team debrief soon after the SUDI has occurred, especially where staff responded to an emergency call or were involved in attempted resuscitation. It may also be useful to debrief again after key points like the SUDI review meeting.

For hospital based staff and health care professionals, local support such as the occupational health department, hospital chaplaincy services and bereavement support nurse services are likely to be available. Police may access support services through http://www.pins.pnn.police.uk/ (restricted access site). Social workers can find information on support available to them through links provided on their own local authority intranets.

Some of the support organisations listed in the Family Support section also provide support and professional education services and material.The staff support leaflet may be of use and should be available to those involved.