Outstanding midwife wins national award for bereavement care

Bereavement support midwife Gemma Sayer has been announced as the winner of this year’s Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care from Sands baby loss charity. The award recognises the vital work of midwives, nurses and health professionals in caring for parents and families affected by pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.

Gemma was nominated for the award by a parent whose baby was stillborn. Gemma supported the family with their move to the bereavement suite, so they could spend time and make memories with their son.

Sands’ Chief Executive, Clea Harmer, says of Gemma’s win: “We received more than one hundred nominations but Gemma truly stood out through her dedication to helping all those parents she cares for begin to rebuild their lives, and ensuring their baby’s memory is at the heart of everything she does. Good care can’t take away the pain of the death of a baby but can help parents through this devastating time.”

Nominations for the 2024 Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care are open until 1 March 2024. Visit: www.sands.org.uk/nominate-health-professional-elaine-thorp-award