A SCOTSWOMAN is to lead the international effort against cot death.
Mrs Hazel Brooke, executive director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust,
has been elected chairman of SIDS International, the worldwide
federation of cot death organisations.
In developed countries, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), commonly
known as cot death, is the biggest single cause of death in children
over the age of one week. There is no explanation for the syndrome,
which is estimated to kill at least 5000 infants in Europe alone each
year and at least 20,000 around the world.
SIDS International, which works closely with the World Health
Organisation, aims to provide a united voice on cot death issues
worldwide and to co-
ordinate and support research and the care of bereaved families.
Mrs Brooke, who lives in Bearsden, has been working in the field of
cot death since 1979 and was appointed to the post of co-ordinator of
the Scottish Cot Death Trust when it was formed in 1985.
She has been a member of the executive committee of SIDS International
since 1987 and was secretary and deputy chairman in turn. Until
recently, she was chairman of SIDS Europe and was responsible for
establishing and fostering links with medical personnel interested in
SIDS in the newly liberated Eastern European countries.
Mrs Brooke, who is herself not a bereaved parent, says she feels
honoured to be chosen as the spokeswoman for SIDS parents.
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