04/02/2015

BBC Radio Leeds with Liz Green programme highlighted the need for cuddle cots in all hospitals across the UK. 



Katie Howell, from Wakefield, whose son Ellis was stillborn at 35 weeks in September 2014, bravely shared her personal experience with listeners. Katie and her family were able to spend more time with baby Ellis as the hospital she was being cared for at a had cuddle cot, donated by fundraisers. Not all hospitals have them. 



She has set up Ellis’ Cradle campaign to raise funds for at least two cuddle cots in two local hospitals, with the aim of funding more in the future. She is also calling on the government to fund cuddle cots. 



At the moment the UK has to rely on the generosity of fundraisers, such as Katie and supporters of Sands, to fund this equipment and allow Sands to promote the use of cuddle / cold cots to hospitals as best practice when caring for bereaved parents. 



Chair of Leeds Sands, Sheryl McMahon also explained the significance of cuddle cots and similar equipment and why it’s so important that parents have the option of building precious memories with their baby over a few days rather than a few hours. 



The piece starts at about 38:43 minutes until 46.10. Then Senior Midwife at Dewsbury District hospital is interviewed at 02.01.00. Finally Liz Green speaks to Katie Howell again at about 02.10.35. 



http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02h162x