False isands newsletter 23

False ISANDS Guidelines for Professionals Twelve years ago ISANDS embarked on a project of compiling a book for Professionals written by Professionals. It was a daunting task as there was little or nothing to base a book of this type on. We brought together various groups of Professionals and discussed the possibilities and what direction it might take. And so it began... We decided, rather than writing a book to cover the whole are of care and bereavements under one heading that we would break it up into different sections under relevant Professionals, ie Obstetricians, Paediatricians, Midwives/ Nurses, G. Ps, Pastrol Care within the Hospital and the Community and Teachers. Originally we met with various groups of Professionals to come up with a frame work to approach this sad but diffi cult subject. In open, frank and honest discussions we were able to recognise that for the Professionals, it is extremely diffi cult to break the sad news to any parent that their baby has died or is expected to die. In ISANDS opinion, depending on how that is done can affect parents and have a bearing on how they will cope in the immediate time and afterwards. So that was the base line for this book- how do be marry those two areas - being able to communicate sad news and how that can affect everything else that happens. What helps and what makes a difference - ISANDS have 25 years of experience on this bit. From our Parent Support Group meetings and Support Team Supervision meetings we were able to piece together important reoccurring patterns that ‘ made a difference’ in a good or bad way. What needs to happen, what needs to be said, what needs to be done and HOW in all these situations. So everyone went away and wrote individual pieces on how they envisaged this would happen. Then the mammoth task of collating each section into one document was undertaken by Blanaid Morris, ISANDS. Then each section was discussed in great detail with the various groups, then after hundreds of meetings, telephone conversations, letters and emails a draft document emerged for most sections !!( others were added later). Now to be honest with time constraints for everyone involved it was hard to keep everyone motivated and interest waned from time to time. Then in late 1999 the Organ Retention Scandal hit the headlines and the charity had to invest its time into that and for the next few years, while continuing to provide our ongoing services and support. Members of the National Executive of ISANDS submitted a 300 page document to the Dunne Inquiry, met with Deirdre Madden in relation to the Madden Report and were part of the Working Group with the Department of Health. While all of that took up considerable time it was also a learning experience and helped greatly in our understanding. Then about two years ago I decided it was time to get back to the Professional Book. I re- grouped everyone and serious business was done!! It was full steam ahead regardless!! We also had to get some new people involved as some Professionals had retired or moved out of the this area of care. We also recognised new areas that needed to be included and found good people to help us with that. Areas in the book referring isands newsletter 24