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Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

Asked by Lincoln JoppConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 12 May 2025UIN 50425

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of launching a public awareness campaign on sudden unexpected death in childhood.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) on affected families and communities, and the importance of raising awareness of SUDC among relevant professionals, communities, and parents. Information on SUDC is available on the National Health Service website, which also signposts to the charity SUDC.UK. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids.

Additional information for parents on SUDC is available in the form of the booklet, When a Child Dies. Health visitors and school nurses also play an important role in promoting health literacy to families. There are no plans at present to launch a public awareness campaign on SUDC.

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