Janine Dougan, retired Midwife and Health Visitor in Northern Ireland, has won the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care from Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
The UK Award is in recognition of her excellent work caring for parents and other family members following a pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Even the best care can’t take away the pain of pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, but it can help parents and families through a devastating time.
“Losing a child is unbearable, no matter at what stage. Providing good bereavement care is essential so parents know that they are supported and cared for and that their baby mattered and their wishes were respected. It is about being their partner in this process and being present for them.
“As a health visitor you are also in the position to support and nurture that family if they decide to have another child after their loss, you are uniquely placed by being in their home and knowing their story.”
- Janine
The Elaine Thorp panel is made up of healthcare professionals and volunteers from around the four nations. It was incredibly difficult to pick a winner as there were so many excellent nominations and all deserve recognition. Janine's nomination not only met the Award’s criteria but surpassed it. Her commitment to support Victoria and her partner, Thomas, was immeasurable.
“She never judged me even when I felt insane from grief. She made sure I was always supported by professionals I knew… Janine is like a fairy godmother… she made me feel so supported and cared for at a time when my world was crumbling... Janine helped me for years to rebuild my life after losing my daughter.”
- Victoria Johnston, bereaved parent
4 years ago, Victoria and Thomas’s baby daughter, Alexa, was diagnosed during pregnancy with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a condition where the baby’s diaphragm does not form as it should. They were cared for by then Health Visitor, Janine, who made sure they had the best possible services and contingency of care.
‘Janine relentlessly emailed the bereavement support midwife in my trust when I fell through the gap of giving birth in one trust and being provided with postnatal care by another.’
- Victoria
Thomas Cowan shared how Janine made him feel supported and seen as a bereaved parent, not just a partner, and the impact that had on him.
“Janine realised men grieve too… she'd always make me and my grief feel seen. She'd offer me support but never pressured me (I was very reluctant). She'd offer me support but never pressured me… Janine was about the only health care professional that seen I was a grieving parent and not just the partner of a grieving mother… When she called it felt like a friendly relative would come and brighten the day in even the worst of times. How could we ever thank someone for such outstanding dedication, support and love?”
- Thomas
At every step of the way, Janine supported the young family. She carried out extra home visits, using her knowledge of the local community to recommend counselling services, local charity support, connecting them to Sands, and a dad’s walking group.
Years later, Janine still remembers Alexa's birthday and would send a message. She also supported the family through pregnancy with their first child, the pregnancy and loss of their second child, and then through two subsequent pregnancies, which led to the couple having two healthy baby boys.
“Janine acknowledges me as a mother of 4 instead of the 3 most people see.”
- Victoria
“All the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care nominations were submitted by bereaved parents and family members, giving them an important opportunity to thank the health care professionals who cared for them and their babies. I hope this Award will shine a light on the difference that so many health care workers are making for bereaved parents every day.
“Caring well for someone who has just been told their baby has died takes a unique combination of communication, compassion, patience, and really listening to what parents’ needs and wishes are. By holding that space and striving to truly understand their needs at this moment of overwhelming grief and shock, health care professionals can make a positive difference to bereaved parents and families.
“We received just under fifty nominations for the Elaine Thorp Award but Janine truly stood out through her dedication to helping all those parents she cares for begin to rebuild their lives, and ensuring their baby’s memory is at the heart of everything she does. Good care can’t take away the pain of the death of a baby but can help parents through this devastating time.”
- Clea Harmer, Chief Executive Officer of Sands
Now that she is retired, Janine volunteers for a charity in Northern Ireland which supports children with Visual Impairments, called Angel Eyes.
More about the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care
The Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care aims to recognise the vital work done by midwives, nurses, and other health professionals to care for parents affected by pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.
Elaine Thorp was a midwife who personified good bereavement care and a true pioneer in listening to bereaved parents. Elaine first became aware of the need for better bereavement care in the late 1970s and became involved with Sands in 1991 when she took on the role of Bereavement Officer at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. Elaine retired from the NHS in 2007 and sadly died in 2013, but those with whom she worked and volunteered remember her with great affection.
Nominations for the 2026 Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care are now open.
Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.