The Scottish Cot Death Trust was founded in 1985 after various research initiatives highlighted the extent of the problem of cot death in Scotland. Its aims have been reviewed and found to be as valid today as they were when the Trust was established. Some of our key dates and achievements are:
1985 - The Trust was formed, with initial funding from Sir Hugh Fraser through the Fraser Foundation.
1991 - The Trust funded an investigation of the handling of sudden infant deaths by Police, Procurators Fiscal and Pathologists. Results were presented at a meeting hosted by the Crown Agent.
1992 - The Trust co-ordinated the development of a standard autopsy protocol – one of the first in the world, and secured the right of bereaved parents to have access to a copy of the post mortem report.
1992 – The “Back to Sleep” campaign was launched to encourage parents to place infants on their backs for sleeping. This advice remains one of the key messages today in reducing the risks of cot death.
2001 - Case Review pilot study launched, co-ordinated by the Trust.
2002 - The first Support worker appointed to develop family support.
2007 - Case Review Pilot Study Report published.
2008 - 2010 – Work ongoing with the Scottish Government and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland on the implementation of national guidelines for dealing with cot deaths in Scotland.
2009 - The Trust is awarded a 5-year grant from the Big Lottery Fund and appoints a Community Services Nurse to deliver the Trust’s support services for bereaved families.
2010 - The Trust commemorates its 25th Anniversary
