Families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss are being reminded of the care and support available from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The Trust’s maternity, chaplaincy and clinical photography teams work together to provide compassionate, individualised support to families at an incredibly difficult time.
Families can receive care at Darlington Memorial Hospital or University Hospital of North Durham, where a dedicated bereavement midwife provides specialist support.
When clinically appropriate, families at University Hospital of North Durham can access the Serenity Suite, a dedicated bereavement facility offering privacy and comfort away from busy maternity areas.
At Darlington Memorial Hospital, the bereavement room has recently undergone a revamp thanks to funding from NHS England. Improvements include a new television, microwave, kettle, fridge and sofa bed, as well as new doors and fresh paintwork.
Artwork and other soft furnishings will also be added to enhance the space and create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for families.
Julie Gilbert, Matron for Acute Maternity Services at Darlington Memorial Hospital, said: “We understand that losing a baby is an incredibly difficult experience and our dedicated maternity and bereavement teams are here to support families with compassion and understanding.
“We are committed to providing families with privacy, time and a comfortable space to spend precious moments with their baby, while offering support that reflects their individual needs.”
The Trust is grateful to the dedicated midwives and members of the local community who have supported efforts to improve bereavement care and facilities.
The Trust’s Clinical Photography Team also provides professional photographs for families, helping them create lasting memories of their baby.
Families are offered a memory book containing photographs and keepsakes, including items donated by organisations such as 4Louis, and a digital camera so they can take their own photographs in hospital or at home if they wish.
Cuddle cots are available to give families additional time with their baby, while privacy prams allow babies to be moved discreetly around the hospital, helping families spend time together in a respectful and dignified environment.
Pastoral and spiritual support is also available through the Trust’s Chaplaincy Team.
During Baby Loss Awareness Week, the team will hold two memorial services:
- Sunday 11 October, 4pm – Holy Trinity, Woodland Road, Darlington
- Wednesday 14 October, 7.15pm – St Cuthbert’s Church, North Road, Durham
The services are open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, and offer an opportunity to remember babies and reflect alongside others who have experienced loss. Families are welcome whatever the circumstances or timing of their loss.
The Trust also has a Baby Memorial Garden at University Hospital of North Durham, where families can apply for a memorial plaque in honour of their baby.
Support is available whenever it is needed. Whether a loss has happened recently or many years ago, families can speak to their healthcare professional or contact the Trust’s Chaplaincy Team on 0191 333 2183 to find out more about the support available.
During Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Trust stands alongside bereaved families, remembering the babies they have lost and recognising the lasting impact of their loss.
