LISTEN: 'Lavender Suite' to open in Alnagelvin hospital for bereaved parents of babies

by Gráinne Connolly

The Western Trust is opening the new 'Lavender Suite' in Ward 45 (Ante-natal ward) in Altnagelvin Hospital today. 

The suite, also known as the bereavement suite is being opened and funded by SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity. 

They provide support for parents who have had a baby die just before, during or after birth; as well as offering training to health professionals to improve the bereavement care they give to families in hospitals. 

The charity also promote and fund research to try and reduce the death of babies.

Steven Guy is the network co-ordinator at SANDS, says the project was inspired by another suite in the Ulster Hospital.

The aim of opening it is to provide a special place for parents and families when they lose their baby; giving them a comfortable and safe space to spend their last moments together and to say goodbye. 

Q Radio's been talking to Melissa Crockett, the new child birth and pregnancy loss specialist for the Western Trust.

Shes been telling us what the Bereavement Suite's like in Altnagelvin and why they took on the initiative to have one: 

From taking up her new post, Melissa says she hopes to be able to give parents and families that time and extra support they need after their baby pass, including after they leave the hospital: