Rapid Response Service for Sudden and Unexpected Child Death

Who We Are

We are a designated team supporting families and other agencies following the unexpected eath of a child.

What We Do

County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust have a designated service to engage quickly with the police and other agencies following the unexpected death of a child under the age of 18 years.

This service provides a specially trained senior nurse or medical practitioner to respond to the death of a child or infant. It is vital that the Rapid Response Service is consulted at the earliest opportunity.

An Unexpected Death is defined as the death of a child that was not anticipated as a significant possibility  24-hours before death, or where there was a similarly unexpected collapse or incident leading to or precipitating the events that led to the death.

The Police will work alongside Rapid Response Service for all cases of sudden unexpected death in infants and children. 

Where to Find Us:

Childrens Centre
Chester-le-Street Community Hospital
Front Street
Chester-le-Street
Co. Durham
DH3 3AT

How to Contact Us

The Rapid Response Service can be contacted via the Nurse on call 24-hours per day: 01388 455126

Other Contact Details:

Designated Doctor for Child Deaths - Dr Nnenna Cookey, Consultant Paediatrician

Senior Nurse/Manager Rapid Response Service - Catherine Hodgkiss