Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in relation to cases of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, what steps they are taking to ensure that (1) lessons are learned from such child deaths, (2) opportunities to prevent future deaths are identified, and (3) bereaved families are appropriately supported.

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood on affected families and communities.

The Child Death Review (CDR) process was established in 2008 so that the deaths of all children would be systemically reviewed to identify learning and support bereaved families. A Child Death Overview Panel examines the circumstances of each death, identifies learning, looks for patterns and potential improvements in services, and makes recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths. Families are assigned a key worker to guide them through the CDR process and help them access appropriate support and services.

The Department is working to update the statutory CDR guidance in due course.