Princess of Wales Hospital Maternity Services opens new bereavement suite "Bluebell".
Earlier this week, Tuesday October 11, during Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Princess of Wales Hospital opened its new bereavement suite, known as “Bluebell”.
The “Bluebell” suite will be used by families who tragically suffer the loss of a baby. The suite is located opposite the Early Pregnancy Unit at the Hospital, away from the maternity unit, so that the patients and their families can be alone to reflect and spend time together during such a difficult time.
Consultant Midwife Bryany Tweedale said: “We were joined by some of our fantastic families that supported a massive fundraising attempt and donated a huge amount to support us in completely refurbishing our bereavement suite.
“This is completely and utterly dedicated to those families who have very sadly experienced the loss of a baby and we are incredibly proud that they are working with us to create such a wonderful room, which we know will have such a positive influence on families in the future, experiencing the most terrible of times.”
Princess of Wales midwives, bereavement midwives and members of the Bro Morgannwg Baby Loss Support Group all come together for the opening of the suite, by one member of the Bro Morgannwg Baby Loss Group. All staff and members of the Baby Loss Support group were overwhelmed and happy by how the room looked and the change of feel for those who would have to use it.
Bethanie, a member of Bro Morgannwg Baby Loss Support Group, who has also suffered baby loss said: “The difference in a year is massive. When I was here with my son a year ago, amazing memories were created but it was a very clinical room and felt like you were in a hospital. Now it feels like you’re in a home and I think it is going to make a massive difference to the families using it.”
Ford Bridgend donated money to the Hospital for the development of the bereavement suite. Dunelm in Bridgend also gifted items for the room to feel more homely.
Jess, the chair of the Bro Morgannwg Baby Loss Group and who is also a bereaved mum said: “The amount of work that has been put into this room has been outstanding. I can’t thank anyone enough, from the bottom of my heart, it is an amazing achievement. This room is going to bring so much comfort and hopefully a positive experience to families that are going through the most difficult time in their lives.
“No one ever wants to see this room used; however I know it is going to be a comforting, homely and safe environment for a family to create memories.”
The Midwives involved in creating the suite described the process as a ‘Labour of Love’ and hope that families find the suite a form of comfort during their stay at the hospital through such a difficult time.
14/10/2022