The Scottish Government announced an independent commission to investigate infant cremation practices in 2013. The commission, led by Lord Bonomy, published its report in June 2014.

The report contained 64 recommendations, including some on training of professionals and staff involved in caring for families following a pregnancy or neonatal loss or in the cremation process. One recommendation stated that:

 

‘All relevant staff must successfully complete relevant, available training before their involvement in discussing, organising or conducting infant cremations.’

 

Poor practice and unacceptable variations in care had been highlighted across Scotland in the years running up to the appointment of Lord Bonomy to lead the Infant Cremation Commission.

Educational resources on infant cremation

The short animation and workbook below can help professionals in Scotland ensure that they are informed and able to discuss a range of topics including:

  • The current legal definition of ashes

  • The choices available to parents following:

  • a loss before 24 weeks' gestation in relation to the disposal of fetal remains

  • a loss of a baby after 24 weeks' gestation in relation to cremation and burial

Talking to parents about their decisions around burial or cremation after the death of their baby

This video includes guidance on how to provide families who are bereaved with support and information about infant cremation, their options for the disposal of their baby and funeral arrangements. It will be of interest to a wide range of people, including healthcare professionals, funeral directors and crematoria staff.

A transcript of this video is available here.

Infant Cremation Written Learning Resource - COMING SOON

This will accompany the above film and will be available in an interactive PDF and paper-based format

If you work with those who are bereaved in a professional capacity (particularly in health or social care in Scotland) and are interested to hear about the launch of this resource you may wish to sign up to the NHS Education for Scotland quarterly Bereavement e-newsletter or check back here soon

Useful links

Guidance on the Disposal of Pregnancy Loss Up to and Including 23 Weeks and 6 Days’ Gestation from Chief Medical Officer & Chief Nursing Officer (April 2015)

National Committee on Infant Cremation - Code of Practice 2nd edition, Scottish Government (March 2017)