Mid Yorkshire illuminates in support of bereaved families

This week, in support of Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is illuminating its hospitals in remembrance of those lives lost far too soon.

To raise funds for charities; Sands, 4Louis and the Miscarriage Association, whilst signposting bereaved families to support, events will take place across Trust hospitals: Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury, between Monday 9 and Sunday 15 October.

On Monday, Pinderfields will host a bake sale in its main atrium, where staff will be on hand to talk to patients and colleagues looking for advice and support.

On Tuesday, Lead Bereavement Midwife, Helen Holland, will be visited by Claire Johnson and Elliot Hadfield, from Knottingley, to receive a generous donation of a cuddle cot. Following the tragic death of their son, Theo, at birth last year, the couple embarked on a mission to raise funds for this cooling device which promises additional time to help grieving parents to form an important bond with their baby.

From Wednesday to Friday, information stalls will be present at Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury hospitals, respectively, to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, the importance of bereavement support in the ongoing bereavement journey, and of the vital work needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.

Talib Yaseen, Chief Nursing Officer at The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said: “By supporting this important week we hope to provide bereaved parents and families with an opportunity to talk about their experience and to discover what support is available to them, whilst raising money for charities who work to support them.”

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Following their loss, families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. This year, Baby Loss Awareness Week focuses on the steps along that journey, and how they are different for everyone. Some steps along the journey can feel harder than others, but there is always a hand to support anyone when they feel unsteady.

“I hope that The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s events will help reassure anyone who finds themselves on this journey, whether recently bereaved or longer ago, that there is a community that exists to help with whatever is needed, whether that is advice, support or simply someone to listen and walk by their side.”

Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates with the “Wave of Light” on Sunday 15 October. This is a special time when people across the world light a candle at 7pm local time and leave it burning to remember all babies that have died too soon. To coincide with this movement, Pinderfields Hospital chapel is set to hold a special service at 7pm, with candles available for staff, patients and visitors to light in an act of remembrance.

Visit www.babyloss-awareness.org to find out how you can get involved.