Madam, – I refer to the report by Eithne Donnellan on the need for standards in the funeral industry (Home News, May 12th). On June 23rd, 2003 we lost our six-month-old daughter Ayla to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids). Upon the discovery of her body we were rushed by ambulance to Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin where A E staff worked tirelessly to try to resuscitate her.
At all times we were treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect. I remember in particular the sensitive manner in which the process of the autopsy that was to be performed following confirmation of Ayla’s death was explained to us and subsequently the kindness and humanity that was shown when receiving the results.
The support offered to us, firstly by the counselling and chaplaincy service in the hospital and subsequently by the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (Isida), was invaluable in helping us to deal with our loss.
It is important that the expertise of voluntary bereavement support groups be utilised within hospital settings to assist professional hospital staff continue to give the level of care, support and advice needed by parents and families to cope with bereavement in a hospital setting. – Yours, etc,