This in from the IW NHS in their own words. Ed
The facility situated between the maternity ward and the labour ward has been valued by parents who experience a loss during pregnancy or following birth since it was first made available in 2000.
TLC for the room
Following feedback from parents the room has been given some tender loving care with the addition of a lilac and cream theme complete with matching soft furnishings and subtle lighting to give a modern, feminine and relaxing feel.
A new television, two-seater sofa, iPod station and tea and coffee making facilities have also been added as well as new towels and toiletries in the matching en-suite toilet and shower room.
Now more peaceful and comfortable
Trust Bereavement midwives, Su Smith and Danielle Coombes, have led the project. Commenting on the finished room, Su Smith, said,
“Feedback from parents using the facility prompted the need for us to transform the space. It is now a more peaceful and comfortable environment, which better meets their needs and provides privacy and comfort during labour and recovery in the postnatal period. The new room gives parents a quiet space in which they can create vital and precious memories of their baby.”
Ellen Bond, a parent who attended the opening, said:
“It was a very emotional experience seeing the room finally completed. It is heartbreaking to know just how often it is likely to be needed in the years to come. However, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the staff involved in setting up this room, at least now families will have somewhere private, away from the main maternity ward, where they can deliver and spend time with their babies.”
Enhancing the quality care and support
A study session conducted by Child Bereavement UK and attended by midwives and student midwives was also held throughout the same day to enhance the quality care and support provided to families through pregnancy loss and stillbirth.
Planning for a drop in open day for all staff is also in progress, which will officially launch new streamlined documentation and also information leaflets for bereaved parents created in conjunction with the staff at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.
The opening of the room was attended by Pam Everson (funeral director), Anne Hinton coordinator of SANDS, Pam Roberts, treasurer of SANDS, Rachel Johnston of Child Bereavement UK, Ellen Bond (Parent) and Maternity obstetric and midwifery staff.
