A COUNSELLOR dedicated to obstetric and gynaecology patients has joined the family health team at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Sarah Cummings moved to the hospital in February and since then has supported more than 30 women and their partners.

The role of the counsellor is vital to the family health team, providing counselling to women, and their partners, who have experienced a loss such as stillbirth or miscarriage during pregnancy and for women who need ante-natal and post-natal counselling support.

Support is also available to parents who lose children up to the age of 16.

Counselling takes place on an individual basis, is adapted to the needs of women and their partners and is ongoing for as long as required.