Help us support families who have experienced baby loss
9 to 15 October 2023 marked Baby Loss Awareness Week. To support bereaved parents and families at Bedfordshire Hospitals, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity is raising funds to support their Butterfly Appeal.
Losing an unborn or a newborn child is a painful journey and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity is dedicated to supporting patients and their families at Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) during this time.
For those who find themselves in the tragic situation of losing a child, a soothing, calm, comfortable and homely environment can make all the difference. On the Bedford Hospital site, £50,000 is being raised to create an overhauled entrance to offer a warm and pleasant surrounding.
As part of the major redevelopment programme at the L&D, a counselling room and dedicated bereavement suites are being provided within the acute services block, due to open in 2025.
£20,000 is being raised to make these rooms look and feel very different to a typical birthing suite. There will be soft furnishings, comfort items, soothing artwork and calming lighting to make this space look less clinical.
There will also be a bereavement garden which will offer a space of tranquillity and quiet reflection for families, with bespoke glass butterflies installed. £50,000 is being raised to install planting, lighting and seating in this area.
Glass butterflies can be purchased in memory of a loved one for £120 as part of this, to represent those who have gained their wings too soon.
Emma Hardwick, Director of Midwifery at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our maternity teams on both sites do an incredible job caring for women, birthing people and their families during their toughest time. With the support of our local community and Trust Charity we can ensure they receive the care they need in the very best environment.
“To honour Baby Loss Awareness Week, a thoughtful space was set up in the Delivery Suite at the L&D with a light up tree and hanging hearts in remembrance of babies taken too soon. Colleagues participated in the global Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7pm on Sunday 15 October 2023.
“A touching tribute also took place at Bedford Hospital on the 15th, with families who have sadly experienced loss in attendance alongside staff members. It was a heartwarming evening full of love, candlelight, beautiful music and poetry.”
You can do something amazing and fundraise for the Butterfly Appeal. Contact fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk or visit www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity/support-our-appeals/