Katherine Snutch
July 2025
Katherine
Snutch
,
RN
Bereavement Midwives
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester
United Kingdom
Katy guided us through the funeral arrangements — a daunting process I would have struggled to manage without her.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding care and support I received from your bereavement midwife service following the loss of one of my twin sons at 23 weeks. I was incredibly fortunate to be supported by two remarkable midwives — Katy Snutch and Ciara Maguire — whose compassion, professionalism, and dedication made an immeasurable difference during the most heartbreaking time of my life. From the very beginning, their care was unwavering. Their home visits, especially those that included the use of the Doppler, provided vital reassurance during an anxious and uncertain pregnancy. Katy and Ciara’s sensitivity and kindness ensured I always felt safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. On the day I gave birth and met my baby boy, who had passed away, Ciara was there. She facilitated the experience with dignity, compassion, and practical support. Her presence gave me strength, and she ensured every part of that day honoured my son’s life and respected my family’s grief. Their care extended well beyond the birth. Katy guided us through the funeral arrangements — a daunting process I would have struggled to manage without her. Thanks to her support, the ceremony was both thoughtful and deeply respectful. While it was incredibly hard, it provided us with a meaningful way to say goodbye, and for that I will always be grateful. In the weeks that followed, Katy continued to check in on us. Her ongoing care brought us real comfort and reminded us that we were not alone in our grief. Her kindness and empathy have left a lasting impact on me and my family. The bereavement midwife service is a truly vital part of maternity care. Katy Snutch and Ciara Maguire exemplify everything it should be — kind, attentive, capable, and profoundly human. I hope you are as proud to have them as part of your team as I am thankful to have been cared for by them. Please do pass on my heartfelt thanks to them both. I felt compelled to share this feedback, and if you would like to use my comments in any way — for internal recognition, training, or advocacy — please feel free to do so. I would also be happy to be contacted in the future should you need anything further to support or highlight the value of this service. I understand that not all trusts offer dedicated bereavement midwife support, and I cannot overstate how important I believe it is. Services like this provide an essential source of care for families navigating unimaginable loss, and I sincerely hope this level of support continues to be available for other patients who may sadly face similar circumstances in the future.