Work begins on baby bereavement suite for families

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
News imageNorthamptonshire Health Charity A building site, showing wooden debris on the ground, and other buildings around it. It looks like a wooden building has been taken down. Northamptonshire Health Charity
The site has been cleared and work has now begun on the new Daisy Suite

Work has begun on a new maternity bereavement building to support families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

Northamptonshire Health Charity said the Daisy Suite was being built at Northampton General Hospital, after it had surpassed its £150,000 fundraising target.

The "enhanced care and support suite" will be a "dedicated private, calm and compassionate space where bereavement midwives can provide emotional and practical support," it added.

It will allow parents to talk in private and access support away from the maternity ward. It is set to open by the summer.

News imageNorthamptonshire Health Charity An artist's impression of what the suite will look like, showing a white front door, with windows either side, clad with wood, a metal grey porch, a grey roof and trees behind the building. Northamptonshire Health Charity
An artist's impression of what the suite will look like when it opens in a few months time

The charity said that at the moment, parents returning for follow-up appointments after the loss of a baby have to visit the maternity day unit and wards, making "an already difficult time even more distressing".

The new suite will allow "parents to talk with clinical teams in privacy and feel supported away from the busy ward environment," it added.

Alfie Dutfield-Wright, head of fundraising, said: "Every story shared, every donation, and every fundraiser has helped bring the Daisy Suite closer to reality.

"We couldn't have done this without our supporters. Thank you for being part of this journey."

The charity said additional funds would be needed to continue to provide "enhanced care, privacy, and compassion for families" and maternity bereavement services across Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals.

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