New appeal for £230,000 to help transform bereavement suite at Sheffield's Jessop Wing

The new suite will help over 250 bereaved families each year following miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death.

Sheffield Hospitals Charity is aiming to raise £230,000 over the next 12 months to support the redevelopment of an existing area currently used by families of deceased babies.

Kerry Marston Giroux, bereavement services manager, said: “The bereavement suite helps to make an incredibly distressing experience that little bit easier for the 250 families a year that need the support of the bereavement services.

“A new facility will provide a safe haven for bereaved families, caring for them in their hours of need, in what’s most likely to be their darkest hour.

“I want the bereavement suite to be a place that enhances and creates memories whilst encouraging families to spend more time with their baby in a private and tranquil environment.

“It’s so important that we get the support and care we provide right as any bad experiences are likely to exacerbate feelings of pain and grief for bereaved parents, potentially for many years to come.”

Around 8,000 babies are born each year at the Jessop Wing and for most parents this is a joyful occasion and a time to celebrate, but sadly some families have to deal with the devastating heartbreak of losing a child.

The care that bereaved parents receive in hospital following the death of their baby is crucial as these experiences are likely to be remembered by parents for the rest of their lives.

At such an emotionally challenging time, bereaved parents need their own space, and the money raised from this appeal will focus on transforming the bereavement suite, creating a comfortable and calming space where families can spend time with their baby, giving them an opportunity to create essential memories and support any religious, spiritual and cultural ceremonies.

David Reynolds, executive director at Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “Coping with the loss of a child is unimaginable and whilst we know that there is nothing that can take that pain away, we want to do everything that we can to make that experience just a little more bearable.”