A BEREAVEMENT Suite offering a private space for grieving parents who have suffered the loss of their babies is being built at University Hospital Coventry.
The new suite, which is being built away from the hospital’s Labour Ward, will be soundproofed to the highest possible level and can be accessed through a separate entrance.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is funding the work.
The new facility follows the opening last year of the Dandelion Room for women unable to give birth through midwifery-led care.
Chief Nursing Officer Tracey Brigstock said: “We have listened to feedback from patients and know how important this facility will be in us being able to provide the most compassionate care.
“We want to do all we can to support families going through such a traumatic experience and this will allow them more time to spend precious moments with their baby. We are delighted to see all the hard work that has gone in to making this happen coming to fruition.”
Building work is expected to take three to four months – but will not disrupt maternity care.
Furniture and accessories to make the rooms more comfortable and welcoming – such as artwork, sofas and tea and coffee making facilities – are being funded by money raised through the UHCW Charity by families who have suffered their own baby loss.
They include Neonatal Nursery Nurse Emma Fellows, who experienced the grief of losing twins Freddie at 22 weeks and Frankie just 13 days short of his due date.
Together with husband Jordan, they raised £18,000 by climbing Snowdon and hosting other fundraising events.
Ceri Amphlett and Billy Key lost their baby Rufus at UHCW due to a silent placenta abruption and HELLP syndrome, a rare life-threatening condition that can affect pregnant women.
Since then, they have raised £25,000 for UHCW and also provided CuddleCots to hospitals across the region.
UHCW Charity Director Jo O’Sullivan said: “Our Maternity Bereavement Suite supporters have climbed mountains and run marathons to raise these much-needed funds. Their amazing efforts will help other families going through this heartbreaking time.”
A bereavement support group for anyone who has been affected by pregnancy loss takes place on the first Tuesday of each month in the Faith Centre at University Hospital.
