Palliative care expert calls for naming deceased children

Every year, over 5,000 children die in the UK, leaving many families to cope with deep grief. Dr. Michelle Hills, a palliative care expert, emphasizes the importance of discussing these deaths openly. She believes that saying the names of deceased children can help families remember and honor them. In Britain, talking about death is often avoided. Dr. Hills argues this creates a stigma, especially when it comes to children dying. She explains that families often feel their child's name is not mentioned, making their loss even more painful. "We need to speak their child’s name," she says, stressing the need for recognition and support. Dr. Hills works at Martin House Children's Hospice, where she helps families dealing with life-shortening illnesses in children. Her role involves supporting families from the time of diagnosis, sometimes even before a child is born. She aims to provide a good quality of life for these children and their families. The doctor highlights the importance of awareness about children's palliative care, which often starts at diagnosis. This care helps families enjoy moments together while managing difficult realities. Dr. Hills also notes a stigma around hospices, explaining that they offer not just medical support but also opportunities for fun and creating memories. To improve services, Martin House is launching a campaign to raise £21.9 million for facility upgrades, with a goal of £2 million by the end of this year. Dr. Hills wants people to understand that palliative care is not about giving up; it can actually improve the quality of life. She encourages open conversations about death to reduce stigma and promote understanding. "It’s tragic that children die early," she says, "but we have a duty to talk about it and make it as manageable as possible."