NHS Scotland signs our Pregnancy Loss Pledge
20th February 2024
We’re pleased to announce that NHS Scotland has formally signed our Pregnancy Loss Pledge on behalf of all its 22 NHS organisations, which have a collective 183,000 colleagues.
By taking the pledge, NHS Scotland is committing to encouraging and allowing employees to take the time off they need to start their recovery after loss – and to supporting them back to work when they are ready.
It is also committing to recognising the impact of loss, showing empathy, and understanding, and ensuring managers have access to training or guidance in how to support someone at work.
Fiona Hogg, Chief People Officer, Directorate of Health Workforce in the Scottish Government, said: “Signing the Pledge means NHS Scotland colleagues can be assured that we will do everything we can to support them and their families at this difficult time.
“This reflects the NHS Scotland values and our continued work in partnership to champion good practice through our workforce policies.”
Vicki Robinson, Deputy Director of the Miscarriage Association, said: “Between one in four and one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. It can be a deeply distressing, often frightening, and lonely experience for those who go through it.
“Many don’t disclose their loss to their employer because they fear a lack of understanding or support or worry about being discriminated against.
“Signing the pledge is a clear commitment to recognising the impact of pregnancy loss and putting in place thoughtful and supportive measures for employees navigating this difficult time.
“It is hugely encouraging that NHS Scotland has taken this step, and we are sure it will be much welcomed by its employees.”
The 22 NHS employers who have committed to the terms of the pledge are: NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Grampian, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Lothian, NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland, NHS Tayside, NHS Western Isles, NHS Education for Scotland, NHS Golden Jubilee Foundation, NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland, NHS Health Scotland/Public Health Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, NHS State Hospital, NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service.
Around 300 organisations and companies have now taken the Pregnancy Loss Pledge with almost one million employees covered by its terms.
For more information on the Pledge click here.
