A firefighter expressed feeling “broken” after his partner experienced four miscarriages, emphasizing the need for improved support for emergency service personnel facing pregnancy loss. Oliver Dent, 29, from Hatfield, faced criticism from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for allegedly “putting the service under strain” while he took time off to grieve. In response, he has collaborated with the service to review its policies regarding baby loss and encouraged other emergency services to follow suit.

Mr. Dent recounted that despite informing the brigade about his partner’s miscarriages, he was placed under “sickness monitoring,” which added to his stress. He noted that no one reached out to him during his leave to check on his emotional well-being regarding the losses. According to NHS statistics, approximately one in eight pregnancies ends in miscarriage, with around one in 100 women experiencing three or more consecutive losses.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recognized its shortcomings in supporting Mr. Dent during this challenging time. Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman expressed admiration for Mr. Dent and his fiancée Caitlin Phillips-Diggons for their commitment to improving conditions for others within the fire service. Woodman acknowledged that the organization did not provide adequate support when it was needed most and appreciated the backing Mr. Dent received from colleagues at Hatfield Station.

The fire service has worked alongside Mr. Dent, Ms. Phillips-Diggons, and the charity Tommy’s to reassess its baby loss policies and guidance. Woodman stated that their efforts would ensure that others in the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service experiencing similar losses will be afforded time to grieve.

According to Acas, those who experience a miscarriage do not have a legal right to statutory leave; however, employers are encouraged to consider granting time off during such a challenging period. In cases of stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, individuals are entitled to statutory maternity or paternity leave and pay.

Jo Barclay-Bowen from Tommy’s highlighted the significance of employers understanding the ramifications of pregnancy loss and having compassionate policies in place for affected employees, including partners. A survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that around 25% of employees who experienced pregnancy loss contemplated quitting due to inadequate workplace treatment.

Earlier this year, NHS England announced paid leave eligibility for staff experiencing a miscarriage or whose partners do so. Mr. Dent stressed that no one should navigate such painful experiences without support and emphasized everyone deserves time to grieve without work-related stress.