Bring Our Babies Home: Advocate for Local Post-Mortem Services

Who is affected?  
Families in Northern Ireland who experience the devastating loss of a baby are profoundly affected by the current practice of sending deceased infants to England for post-mortem examinations. Parents like Victoria and Kyle Buckley, who lost their baby Ollie, have shared heart-wrenching stories of having to say goodbye twice—first during the initial loss and then again when entrusted to undertakers for transportation to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool. Since 2019, over 1,100 families have faced the trauma of this process, enduring unnecessary delays and uncertainty during an already unbearable time.

What is at stake?  
If the current system remains unchanged, countless families will continue to experience additional grief and trauma during their darkest moments. The absence of a local paediatric pathologist in Northern Ireland means that parents are left without critical support networks and proper care while navigating the grieving process. Additionally, the bereavement services provided by health trusts need urgent improvement. Families require a dedicated, comfortable space to grieve—one that acknowledges their profound loss and provides support. The availability of baby carriers, effective communication, and compassionate care are essential components of these services. This situation is not just a logistical issue; it is a matter of compassion, dignity, and respect for families who have lost their children. It is essential that we establish a local pathology service to ensure that parents can grieve without the added burden of long-distance transport and uncertainty regarding their babies.

Why is now the time to act?  
Now is the time for immediate action because the need for change has never been more urgent. Families are suffering, and the current arrangements are inadequate and inhumane.

The Northern Ireland Department of Health has acknowledged the problem, but progress has been slow and insufficient. We must come together to demand an all-island paediatric pathology service that prioritises the needs of grieving families while also advocating for improved bereavement services. 

Let’s ensure that no parent has to endure the trauma of sending their baby away again, and that every family receives the care and compassion they deserve in their time of loss.