Staff attachment and loss in a long term baby ward

Little systematic attention has been given to the intense involvement of nursing and medical staff, and its emotional consequences for them, whilst caring for long stay very sick infants. This survey of 12 doctors and 14 nurses involved in such work confirmed the presence of consistent attachment behaviours, and examined the contributory elements such as direct contact and interaction in determining that attachment. Staff were found to relate to infants on an individualized basis, and clearly recognized temperamental differences. Differences in attachment patterns between nurses, consultants and registrars were evident, and appeared to again reflect specific opportunities for contact and interaction. Implications for hospital policy were raised.