AtaLoss Calls for Better Bereavement Training and Support After Amos Review
Author: Deborah Auty
Date: 30th June, 2026
Overview: AtaLoss is calling for urgent improvements in bereavement training and support following the publication of Baroness Amos’ Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.
AtaLoss calls for better bereavement training and support after Baroness Amos’ National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
National bereavement charity AtaLoss is calling for urgent improvements in bereavement training and support following the publication of Baroness Amos’ Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. Alongside the recent Ockenden review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and earlier reviews, the report highlights serious and systemic failures in maternity and neonatal care and the devastating impact on families whose babies have died.
The findings include the experiences of bereaved families who felt ignored when things went wrong and reinforce the need for compassionate and equitable bereavement support for families affected by the death of a baby.
‘For families, the evidence points to a simple need: people must be listened to, believed and treated with kindness, especially when they are scared, in pain or grieving.’ ¹
Dawn Hobson, Head of Partnerships and Signposting at AtaLoss, says:
“Behind many recommendations in this report is a family living with the reality of losing a baby. While learning lessons and improving maternity and neonatal services are vital, we must not overlook the ongoing support that bereaved parents and wider family members need as they try to rebuild their lives after such a devastating loss.
“The death of a baby is a profound bereavement, with impacts that can extend far beyond the immediate period of loss. The impact on women and families from global majority communities is especially concerning. Traumatic grief can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, physical health and future engagement with healthcare services. Compassionate and transparent communication with bereaved families is crucial to protect against compounded harm.”
AtaLoss says the report is another example of the national under-provision of bereavement support previously highlighted by the UK Commission on Bereavement. The charity is calling for bereavement training for staff in maternity and neonatal settings, alongside accessible ongoing support for families after the death of a baby. Through the charity’s signposting website AtaLoss.org, people affected by bereavement can find information, resources and tailored support services in their local area and across the UK.
A mother who gave evidence to the investigation and felt that she received responses which were deeply traumatic following the death of her baby told AtaLoss:
“In the worst moments of their lives, every family deserves compassionate, dignified and consistent bereavement care, regardless of who is on shift that day. The quality of that care should never depend on chance. It should be a standard that every bereaved family can rely on.”
Dawn Hobson adds:
“Even when improvements are made, sadly there will still be families who need support after the death of a baby. Bereavement training for staff is essential if families are to be met with sensitivity, honesty and care at one of the most painful moments of their lives. Every family should be able to access timely, appropriate bereavement support, regardless of where they live or how their baby died. Bereavement support is not an optional extra; it is an important part of care.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
AtaLoss is a UK wide charity helping bereaved people find support and wellbeing by raising awareness about the impact of bereavement; directing to help through the signposting website ataloss.org; and equipping community support, including training for organisations and The Bereavement Journey® peer support programme.
Dawn Hobson, AtaLoss’ Head of Partnerships and Signposting, has prior NHS experience in Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy for families experiencing an adverse outcome.
Media interviews can be arranged by WhatsApp message to Adam May on 07736 949 869 or by emailing press@ataloss.org.
Footnotes
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation NMNI 2026, page 20
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