King's Lynn hospital thanks community for bereavement suite support

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has thanked the community for its support so far regarding plans for a new Maternity Bereavement Suite.

Lynn’s hospital has a fundraising target of £185,000 to provide a dedicated and welcoming place for families who sadly lose their babies either during, or shortly after, birth and to give them the opportunity to create precious memories.

The cause, which was voted by readers as the Lynn News Charity of the Year in January, has currently raised nearly £21,000 of that target on a Just Giving page.

With fundraising events also lined up for the cause, the hospital’s divisional director for women’s and children’s services Kate Jackman has thanked the community for their support.

She said: “We are so pleased to say that the Maternity Bereavement Suite fund has reached 11 per cent of its £185,000 target.

“A lot of fundraising and events for the project were put on hold due to Covid-19, but the local community are behind us and are getting creative in finding new ways to raise money for this important suite.

“Amongst the plans going ahead, 40 of my colleagues are taking to the sky later in the year to skydive for the project - they are hoping to add an additional £30,000 to the pot.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their support so far, and we are looking forward to launching our own projects and events to raise vital funds.

“We are looking forward to rebooking our postponed Baby Matters event and sharing out plans with our patients and their families.”

A dedicated Maternity Bereavement Suite will ensure families can spend time together in a soundproof space separated from the Waterlily Birth Centre where mothers are birthing.

The hospital’s Just Giving page states: “Having a dedicated facility will make such a positive difference to the experience of our parents when they are going through their most difficult time after their loss.

“This development will help these families to spend time with their babies in a more homely environment away from the maternity suite.

“We would like to warmly thank our local community who have voted for us and for your continued support. Please give generously to this worthy cause - together we can do it!”

Similar facilities have already been opened in a whole host of hospitals across the country including at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in November 2019.

National charity Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) has stated every hospital in the country requires a dedicated bereavement suite.

If you would like to donate to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital cause, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/qehmaternitybereavementsuite