Dorset law firm Coles Miller has been appointed as the exclusive medical negligence legal panel member for Dorset by the Foundation for Infant Loss Training, strengthening the support available to families affected by baby loss.
The appointment will see Coles Miller provide specialist legal expertise to bereaved families seeking advice following concerns about maternity care, birth injuries and medical negligence.
The partnership is being announced ahead of Baby Loss Awareness Week, October 9th-15th, when the Foundation will be highlighting its new legal directory to families and organisations across the country.
Coles Miller will be represented by Lydia Barnett, Clinical Negligence Solicitor & Partner who has more than 20 years’ experience Lydia acts for children and families affected by serious failures in maternity, obstetric and neonatal care. She has extensive experience representing families whose lives have been changed by infant loss, birth injuries, hypoxic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and other catastrophic injuries arising from negligent treatment during pregnancy, labour, delivery, and the immediate postnatal period.
Lydia said:
“Losing a baby or discovering that a child has suffered a life-changing injury during birth is devastating for any family. When there are also questions about the medical care that was provided, families need clear answers delivered with sensitivity and compassion.
“We are very proud to be working with the Foundation for Infant Loss Training. Its work provides invaluable support to bereaved families, and this partnership will help ensure that those who need specialist legal advice can access it at an incredibly difficult time in their lives.
“It is also an opportunity for us to learn from the Foundation’s specialist training and further develop our understanding of trauma-informed communication when supporting families affected by baby loss and birth injury.”
Supporting Bereaved Families
The Foundation for Infant Loss Training supports thousands of bereaved parents each year and works with around 600 employers, providing pregnancy loss training, advising HR teams on bereavement policies and supporting employees returning to work.
Its work is led by Founder and Chief Executive Dr Chantal Fowler Lockey BEM, who has spent 20 years working in infant loss and bereavement care following the death of her own daughter, Marnie.
Dr Fowler Lockey was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to bereavement care and in 2026 received an Honorary Doctor of Education from the University of East London, which described her as a ‘global pioneer’.
She said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Coles Miller as our exclusive legal panel member for Dorset for medical negligence.
“Having access to trusted, highly specialised legal advice is vital for families who are seeking answers about their care, and Coles Miller brings both the deep expertise and the profound empathy that this sensitive work demands.
“As we approach Baby Loss Awareness Week, this partnership highlights our shared dedication not only to supporting grieving families but also to driving real change in maternity safety.
“By committing to our specialist training, the team at Coles Miller are actively investing in a deeper understanding of maternity safety and trauma-informed communication.
“Together, we are ensuring that families are listened to, their experiences are respected, and that crucial lessons are learned to improve future outcomes.”
Specialist training and support
As part of the partnership, members of the Coles Miller team will undertake specialist training developed under the guidance of Dr Fowler Lockey.
The training draws on her extensive experience of the legal and procedural complexities surrounding baby loss, including the 24-week gestation threshold, hospital and forensic post-mortems, coroner referrals and inquests.
It also focuses on highly sensitive communication and the religious and cultural considerations that can arise when supporting bereaved families.
Coles Miller and the Foundation will work together throughout the year, including building relationships with local organisations supporting families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
For specialist advice about medical negligence or birth injury, contact Lydia Barnett on 01202 338916 or lbarnett@coles-miller.co.uk.