PROJECTS
JUDE DOBSON

A Cot Death Inquiry

Project: Documentary
Role: Researcher, Writer, Interviewer, Producer
Client: TVNZ
Company: Homegrown Television

As a mother of three, and a former registered nurse who worked in the postnatal wards, I have always been highly aware of Cot Death, otherwise known as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death) or SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy). On 17 July 2001 three-month-old identical twin girls died together in the cot they shared. Even though there were no suspicious circumstances, because of the rarity of simultaneous deaths the case went to the coroner. I wanted to see if experts could come up with a reason for their ‘cot death’ - a certifiable death since 1969 that has actually provided no reason.

In 2003, when this was being made (and I was a newborn mother for the third time), New Zealand had the highest Cot Death rates of all comparable countries for the previous 18 years - since comparisons were first made. The death rate was 50 babies a year and I wanted to know why they were happening and why these twins died in the same environment on the same night. The documentary clarified the circumstances needed and uncovered some new theories.

I pitched the idea to TVNZ for their prime time Documentary NZ slot, and it was chosen to be funded by NZ On Air. It aired in 2004.





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