Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
“Always helpful when we have questions” Child Death Review Nurse, responding to NCMD’s survey, Oct 2020
The death of a child is a tragedy. To prevent future deaths, it is vital that all child deaths are carefully reviewed so that we can learn as much as possible from them – and that is the basis of the Child Death Review (CDR) process. However, we understand that this process – and NCMD’s role in it – may be complicated, if you are unfamiliar with the sector. Find below answers to initial questions that you may have.
Links to further information and support for families can also be found at the bottom of this page.
What is NCMD?
The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) is a public-sector programme that gathers information on all children who die before their 18th birthday across England. We do not hold data relating to stillbirths or legal terminations of pregnancy. Our national data collection and analysis system is the first of its kind anywhere in the world to record comprehensive data on the circumstances of children’s deaths which is standardised across a whole country (England). The following links provide further information: About NCMD and a postcard about NCMD for bereaved families with summary information.
Who is responsible for NCMD?
- The NCMD team
- Our partner organisations, and
- How we are managed.
What is the aim of NCMD?
What are the programme’s timescales?
What is the Child Death Review (CDR) process?
- The Lullaby Trust’s leaflet for families about what happens when a child dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and
- Sands online information about reviews after a baby has died.
How is the CDR process managed?
How is data collected and how will it be used?
Is the data safe and secure?
How can I learn more about NCMD as the work progresses?
Where can I find out more information?
- When a child dies (a guide for parents and carers who are bereaved from NHS England)
- Learning from deaths: Information for families, further information from the NHS to explain what happens after a bereavement
- NCMD’s postcard for bereaved families
- The Lullaby Trust’s leaflet for families about what happens when a child dies suddenly and unexpectedly. They also have a leaflet on bereavement support and their website provides further information and support regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Sands offers information about reviews after a baby has died. Their website also provides information and support regarding stillbirth and neonatal death
- The Child Bereavement UK website has a range of support and information for families of children of all ages
- The Child Death helpline offers support and advice to families whose child has died.
For professionals:
- CDR guidance from NCMD
- Local Child Death Overview Panels (CDOPs)
- Child Death Review Statutory and Operational Guidance
- Guidance on Joint Agency Response (JAR) to child deaths (revised under COVID-19)
- Statutory Child Death Review (CDR) forms
- Guidance on inter-agency working, Working Together.