Hundreds train in safer sleep to cut baby deaths

Black Country healthcare organisations want to promote safe sleeping to cut the number of baby deaths in the region

Hundreds of people have been undergoing training in safer sleeping techniques to help cut the number of baby deaths in the Black Country.

The free sessions are for families and for professionals who interact with children in the Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall areas.

The aim is to reduce the number of deaths where unsafe sleeping habits have been identified.

Sally Roberts, chief nursing officer, encouraged professionals in mental health, emergency services, maintenance and housing services to sign up.

Participants are given advice on the likes of good sleeping positions, clear cots and safer co-sleeping, in sessions supported by the Lullaby Trust.

About 1,800 health visitors, school nurses and paediatrics staff members have already taken part.

"It is so encouraging to see how many colleagues across the Black Country have taken up this important training," Ms Roberts said.

"We can all play a part in trying to reduce the risk of future deaths or harm to children in the Black Country."

The training is funded by the Black Country Child Death Review Strategic Partnership and supported by the Black Country Local Maternity and Neonatal System.

People can sign up to take part until 9 July.