King's Lynn hospital maternity bereavement suite opening put back

Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital has said it will have to postpone the opening of the maternity bereavement suite it has been raising money for.

It was hoped it could open as early as next month but today it said that the opening has now been put back until the autumn.

Fundraising for the suite was boosted by being named the Lynn News Charity of the Year in 2020.

The suite will provide a much-needed safe and homely environment for parents and their families, to create precious memories with their baby. The suite will support those who experience this unimaginable loss during their pregnancy, birth or shortly afterwards.

This important development was made possible thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts from the wonderful local community and £145,000 of support from the Trust’s Charitable Fund.

A statement from the QEH today said: "The Trust has been working really hard towards an opening date of around April time of this year.

"Unfortunately, as a result of some COVID-19 and Brexit-related delays, which has impacted supplies and deliveries, the suite is now expected to open by Autumn 2021.

"The Trust remains absolutely committed to delivering this vital project at QEH as quickly as possible.

"Both patient and CQC feedback clearly shows that a dedicated Bereavement Suite is desperately needed. The facility will make a significant difference to the standard of care to those families who are experiencing this tragic loss.

"In order to make the suite as homely and comforting as possible for families, fundraising efforts will continue in order to purchase much-needed furnishings."

You can give to the appeal online or send cheques payable to ‘Maternity Bereavement Suite Appeal’ to the Finance Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, PE30 4ET.