The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has introduced bespoke, handmade cuddle pockets so that stillborn babies can be transported to the hospital with compassion and sensitivity.
The knitted pockets are designed for babies who are less than 24 weeks, who are placed inside, and the ribbons tied together. The baby’s parents are then encouraged to hold their baby during the journey.
Ambulance services
EEAST is one of the first ambulance services in the country to begin using the pockets, which have been donated by the non-profit organization Cuddles UK. Each is unique and has been handmade by volunteer knitters who are coordinated by Cuddles UK using Facebook.
The initiative has been introduced following feedback from patients and crews and aims to make sure bereaved parents and their babies are treated with the highest levels of dignity.
The difference with cuddle pockets
But when cuddle pockets are used, they can make such a difference for the patient and our crews"
Daimon Wheddon, Clinical Lead for the project, said, “We know just how difficult the loss of a baby can be for both the parents and for the crews who attend and wanted to do what we could to make the journey to hospital less distressing for everyone."
Daimon Wheddon adds, “Thankfully, cuddle pockets will not be needed very often. But when they are, they can make such a difference for the patient and our crews. We are very grateful to Cuddles UK for supporting us, and to the members of our staff who gave up their time to knit these unique pockets.”
Feedback
Feedback from crews who have used the pockets so far has been positive. One staff member said, “The cuddle pockets will go a long way in helping make this experience less traumatizing for patients as well as crews.”
A second staff member adds, “It made a huge difference, especially for the mum who had something unique for her baby to rest in on the way to the hospital. Cuddle pockets give us a dignified way to transport babies who are born too early.”
A sensitive way of caring
Wendy Matthews OBE, the Regional Chief Midwife, said, “Treating any pregnancy loss in a dignified and compassionate way is so vital to improving the experience of families when they suffer a tragedy. The cuddle pockets also allow the ambulance crew dealing with these situations to give care in a sensitive way. For parents, knowing that their babies are being treated with the utmost respect is so important.”
Cuddle pockets are available on all 700 of EEAST’s ambulances and ambulance officer vehicles.
