Past Events
18th November 2009 - Why 17? Scottish Parliament Launch
The high profile launch of the Saving Babies’ Lives Report, 2009 to MSPs at the Scottish Parliament. Several problem areas in Scotland were highlighted that are contributing to the deaths of babies in Scotland and sands called on the Scottish Government to ensure that stillbirths and neonatal deaths are recognised as a major health issue in Scotland and addressed as a matter of urgency and priority.
The reception at the Scottish Parliament was hosted by Ken Macintosh MSP, and guests included scientists, researchers, members of professional organizations, health professionals and Sands parents from across Scotland attended the reception.
Fife Sands was represented by Jo-Anna, Christine, Clare, Teresa and Susan.
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b 
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a)Jo-Anna on the Walk
b)Jo-Anna with John Park MSP
c)Photo of Scottish Sands Group members
Susan, Teresa and I all went to the Scottish parliament launch of WHY17 campaign as guests of Marilyn Livingstone our MSP. Prior to the launch we met for a chat, I must say Marilyn seemed very approachable and keen to prove her ability to us. We discussed both national WHY17? issues and local Fife issues and came to the decision that Marilyn could serve us best on a local level.
We expressed our concerns to Marilyn regarding the new hospital accommodation and office provision alongside many other issues and decided we needed to focus on a few pressing issues.
I have since been in touch with Marilyn's assistant Lauren and said that we would like her to work with us on the following issues
1. A specific bereavement room (as a replacement to butterfly room)
2. An office space (not necessarily in the new hospital - but somewhere we can function in a similar or better way than we do at present)
3. A bereavement midwife and counsellor initially, eventually building into a team of bereavement midwives who would act as advocates for bereaved parents - thus ensuring continuity of care and support during and after the birth. We will then know that all parents are receiving the same advice (based on the experiences of parents who have lost – ultimately we know what is best).
I have since then received a letter from Marilyn in which she detailed what she has done so far on our behalf -
"I have written to Jim Goldfrick, Chair of NHS Fife Board, and asked him to look into the matters you have raised and to outline any action NHS Fife will take. I have also asked him for a meeting with the committee members of Fife Sands, a representative from Forth Park and myself. I will contact you again in receipt of a reply."
Marilyn has also kindly offered to help raise funds for us, and offered bottles of whisky signed by our very own PM!
We are hoping this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship!
Clare