Annual reports on perinatal mortality in Scotland, including a classification according to the obstetric event leading to death, have been produced since 1977. Over time, the report has been expanded to include late fetal deaths (losses from 20 weeks gestation), late neonatal and post-neonatal infant deaths. Since 1987, a paediatric classification which summarises the clinico-pathological events in the fetus or baby has been included to complement the obstetric classification. In recent years, a commitment has been made to address morbidity as well as mortality within the annual report.

From 1996 to 2006, the Scottish Stillbirth and Infant Death Survey was administered jointly by the Scottish Programme for Clinical Effectiveness in Reproductive Health (SPCERH) and ISD. The Survey and the production of the annual report were undertaken on behalf of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHSQIS). During 2007, the Reproductive Health programme of NHS QIS took over the administration of the report in conjunction with ISD.

We have taken the opportunity during this transitional period to review trends and changing outcomes over the last 30 years during which data on perinatal mortality has been collected. The report 'Trends in Perinatal Mortality in Scotland - a review over 30 years' is now available. The aim of the report is to explore whether routinely collected data can be used to highlight any areas of concern and to suggest areas for further monitoring, analysis and reporting. It does not attempt to engage in detailed statistical analysis. (since publication there have been minor text changes made to the above report which are documented in the report itself).


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