‘Serene’ bereavement suite unveiled
Families who suffer the heartbreak of losing a baby at birth can now spend time together in a homely, private space thanks to a £70,000 fundraising appeal.
The Dudley Group NHS Charity launched the appeal to create a baby bereavement suite in the maternity department at Russells Hall Hospital in 2018.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented an official opening, the suite is now being used by local families.
It has been paid for by public donations, fundraising events, and the trust charity.
Donations were given a boost of £40,000 from the fundraising efforts of local woman Hannah Swancott in memory of her own little girl, Luna, who was stillborn.
The room provides a delivery suite for parents who know their baby has died or a space for those whose babies die shortly after birth.
It means families can spend time together, creating lasting memories in a home-from-home environment.
The appeal will also pay for specialist training for midwives.
Trust chief executive Diane Wake said: “Offering the right support to someone who is going through such a devastating time is extremely important to us.
"This appeal has created a lovely, serene space for families to come to terms with their loss and spend time with their baby, away from the hustle and bustle of a hospital, and without feeling rushed.”
Ms Swancott, who was able to visit prior to the latest lockdown, said: “The transformation is absolutely incredible, the hospital has worked so hard to make it perfect and really help future families who sadly have to use the room. It’s exactly what the ward needs.”
