The National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) in Scotland consists of care pathways, training and resources to improve bereavement care following pregnancy and baby loss.
NBCP Scotland has been directly funded by the Scottish Government since 2019 and is embedded within the Best Start: Five-Year Forward Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Care as a key requirement. This reflects Scotland’s commitment to ensuring consistent, high-quality bereavement care for families experiencing pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
NBCP Scotland provides tailored pathways for:
- Miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancy
- Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly
- Stillbirth
- Neonatal death
- Sudden unexpected death of an infant
Resources for healthcare staff
The NBCP Scotland Pathways and Standards are available via the NBCP Scotland website. The site also hosts a wide range of resources, guidance, and links for professionals working across Scotland.
Resources for staff in Scotland
How is the NBCP implemented in Scotland?
All NHS Boards across Scotland have undertaken reviews of their bereavement services and continue to implement and refine local improvement plans aligned with the NBCP standards. This ongoing work aims to ensure equitable, compassionate, and person-centred care for all families across Scotland.
Networks and support
A strong and active NBCP Scotland Network supports this work. The network meets monthly and hosts regular Learning Events and Practice Exchange Sessions. These sessions are open to all staff who work, or may work, with families affected by pregnancy loss or baby death. They provide valuable opportunities to:
- Share examples of good practice
- Learn from the experiences of different NHS Boards
- Promote collaboration and continuous improvement
Partners and supporting organisations
NBCP Scotland is supported by a wide range of third sector organisations, including:
These partnerships are central to ensuring that care reflects the needs and experiences of bereaved families, and that support extends beyond clinical settings.
The programme also works closely with the Royal Colleges and professional bodies, helping to align clinical practice, education, and standards with national guidance.
Find out more
If you would like to attend NBCP Scotland network meetings or learning sessions, or be connected with your local NHS Board’s NBCP Lead, please contact Sue McKellar on sue.mckellar@sands.org.uk.
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