Sudden unexpected death in childhood in Greater Manchester (United Kingdom) : a five-year review (2015-2020)

Quinn, S; Dierckx, E; Long, T; Rowland, AG

Abstract

The sudden, unexpected death of a child (SUDC) is a devastating experience. It is
vital that supportive and investigative services are effective and promote the best
outcomes for families.
Analysis of five years of data from 309 SUDC cases in Greater Manchester, United
Kingdom (UK) shows how a number of key service outcomes can be measured and
achieved through a raft of actions which are commensurate with and exceed the
service level recommended by the UK Government.
Annual reports covering the work of the Greater Manchester SUDC team are
compiled from audit forms completed by the attending SUDC paediatrician for each
case. Data from these reports from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020 were analysed.
Most cases happened out of normal working hours, predominantly on Sundays. This
supports the need for a 24-hour, seven days per week SUDC service to enable early
investigation and timely support for families. The review demonstrated that the
Greater Manchester model is able to deliver this in a rapid response with early
attendance in emergency departments and early home visits; effective joint agency
working with police, children’s social services and other agencies; and provision of
support to families.
The proposed instigation of a key worker role in the SUDC team is a welcome
development. This is central to ameliorating the experience for parents by providing
bereavement support separate from the investigative role of the SUDC team.
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Research is needed into the role of the key worker, potentially as a dedicated
bereavement nurse, and understanding of families’ experiences to ensure that
support is optimal.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 24, 2022
• Publication Date: Apr 26, 2022
• Deposit Date: Feb 25, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 14, 2022
• Journal: Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Nursing
• Print ISSN: 2469-4193
• Electronic ISSN: 2469-4207
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 349-367
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24694193.2022.2047828
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/24694193.2022.2047828