High Peak MP Robert Largan delivered a speech in Parliament on Thursday 23 September to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which will be taking place this year on the 9 – 15 October 2021.
In his speech, the High Peak MP highlighted the work of the local organisation Little Heartbeats, which helps parents who have suffered from preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), saying:
“My constituency of High Peak is home to some inspiring and hardworking maternity teams and bereavement organisations, and I wish in particular to talk about one organisation, and about my constituent, Ciara Curran, who asked me to share her story. Ciara lost her baby daughter Sinead 11 years ago in April 2010 due to pre-term pre-labour rupture of the membranes, also known as PPROM. That condition is when the waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and it puts mother and baby at risk of infection. After such a devastating loss, Ciara went on to set up an organisation called Little Heartbeats to help women who have lost a baby to PPROM, and to ensure that pregnant mothers receive the best possible care if diagnosed with that condition.
“Little Heartbeats has worked with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to produce clinical guidelines and patient information leaflets to help prevent the loss of babies from PPROM. It has also launched studies into the impact of PPROM, as well as possible treatments such as stem cell patches. In recognition of the work done by Ciara and her team, Little Heartbeats received the Butterfly Award for best support organisation in 2017, and it was shortlisted for The Sun’s NHS Who Cares Wins health awards this year. It is amazing to see someone who has dealt with such loss respond with tremendous courage and compassion.”
Robert has written directly to the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, requesting a formal inquiry by the Health & Social Care Committee into how PPROM can be better managed by medical professionals and patients.
The speech also provided Robert with the opportunity to make the case for greater Government investment in our health services, including the maternity unit and antenatal clinic at Tameside Hospital.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“Ahead of Baby Loss Awareness Week next month, I was able to speak in a very moving debate in Parliament, in which a number of MPs shared their own personal stories.
“In my speech, I highlighted the work of Chinley-based charity Little Heartbeats, and made the case for investment in the maternity unit and antenatal clinic at Tameside Hospital.
“I also talked about the need for greater investment in midwifery, and better counselling for those parents that have suffered this terrible tragedy.”
Ciara Curran commented:
“I cannot thank Robert enough for being our voice for this baby loss debate. After losing Sinead in April 2010, it has taken 11 years of campaigning and Robert has been the first MP who has managed to make the effort to discuss my case and be our voice at this debate.
“MPs that have been approached previously have failed to understand the importance of this. We are hoping Robert can convince Jeremy Hunt to authorise an enquiry into PPROM.
“In October we would appreciate it if the High Peak would go pink and blue for all the babies that have sadly died, and on 17th November to go purple for World Prematurity Day.
“We send out free care packs to those women going through PPROM, have a baby in neonatal care, or who have sadly lost their baby after a PPROM pregnancy.
“We all need to do a lot more. I gave birth to a baby. A baby called Sinead. I am her voice to help others through this difficult time.
