In support of the launch of 'Sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood' published by a multi-agency working group convened by The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dr Geoff Debelle, Child Protection Officer for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"Every child's death is a tragedy. Many of these deaths are from natural causes such as extreme premature birth and its complications, congenital anomalies, infection and malignancy. Others relate to road traffic injuries. Only around 1% of such deaths can be directly attributed to abuse and neglect.
"It is incumbent on dedicated professionals to investigate all deaths in childhood to assist the coroner, to determine whether there is potential for prevention of further deaths and to ensure that the parents and surviving siblings have appropriate explanation, advice and bereavement counselling. The new edition of the guidance provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based guidance for the multi-professional investigation of all deaths in childhood and will ensure that such investigations are undertaken in a uniform, thorough and sensitive manner across the UK."