From Tragedy to Transition: Our family’s story
Last year we lost our son, Finny, a moment that changed everything about how we move through each day. The shock of his death, the medical questions it raised, and the absence of available support left a void that felt impossible to fill. Then came the quiet, ordinary joy of a new baby—an unexpected light that reminded us life can begin anew even after the deepest sorrow. This is not a tale of quick healing, but of gradual resilience and the recognition that communities, systems, and caregivers play a crucial role in both loss and the search for healing.
What happened after Finny: gaps in care and the push for accountability
In the weeks and months following Finny’s death, we found ourselves facing two parallel realities: the ongoing grief that would never quite leave, and the practical questions about what happened and how it could be prevented in the future. The hospital offered little formal support, leaving many family questions unanswered and our grief isolated from the care network that professionals had promised to guide us through. In June, the inquest returned a Prevention of Future Death (PFD) notice. That finding is rare, but when it happens it signals a serious concern about how systems may fail patients—and families—relying on them for safety.
What is a Prevention of Future Death notice?
A PFD notice is issued when a coroner believes that changes to practice, training, or policy could prevent similar deaths in the future. It is a form of accountability, a call to action for hospitals and health bodies to review procedures, communication, and escalation pathways. For families, it can feel abstract, but it also represents a public acknowledgment that gaps existed and that improvements are possible.
Finding light: how a new baby began to bring hope
Amid the sorrow, our newborn brought a different kind of light—quiet moments that reminded us of resilience and possibility. The daily textures of parenting a living child offered a counterbalance to the memory of Finny. There is no easy fix for loss, but there is a way forward that includes honoring both memory and life. Our baby’s first smiles, sleep cycles, and tiny milestones became markers of healing that we could measure in small, ordinary triumphs.
Practical steps for families facing similar journeys
If you or someone you know faces a similar path, consider these steps to navigate grief, seek answers, and build support networks:
- Request a formal patient liaison or bereavement counselor from the hospital to discuss the incident and available supports.
- Ask for written explanations of any inquest findings and what steps are being taken to implement changes.
- Tap into family-centered support groups, both locally and online, to share experiences and coping strategies.
- Document questions and concerns ahead of follow-up care to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Involve a trusted clinician or advocate who can help interpret medical terms and process outcomes like PFD notices.
Moving forward with memory and momentum
Our family continues to honor Finny’s memory while embracing the ongoing joy of our living child. The presence of a new baby can feel like a beacon even when grief remains heavy. It is possible to accept the pain of the past and still commit to a hopeful future—one that demands better care, clearer communication, and greater accountability from healthcare systems. We share our story in the hope that others facing similar journeys feel less alone and more equipped to pursue the support and information they deserve.
Resources and support
Reach out to local bereavement services, hospital patient advocacy offices, and national charities focused on infant and parent loss. If an inquest or PFD notice is involved, consult a legal or patient safety advisor to understand your rights and the potential avenues for systemic improvement.
