Parents grieving the loss of a baby will benefit from a new space at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

The former Forget-Me-Not Suite has been remodelled and refurbished as the Maternity Swan Suite, following a two-year project led by specialist midwife Laura Walsh.

Laura said: “Losing a baby is a loss like no other.  When someone dies in our lives, we look back and try and draw comfort from the many memories we have.  When a baby dies, often the only memories families have, are of their time spent in hospital. That makes their experience and the environment where they are cared for even more important.

“The Forget-Me-Not Suite provided comfort to many families over the years but, like anything, it’s only with regular use that you recognise how we can make further improvements, which has led to the significant changes we see today.”

Women who are at greater clinical risk can now be cared for safely in the Maternity Swan Suite, without the need for a potentially distressing transfer to a room on the delivery suite, where they would be alongside other well women and babies. The room is designed so families can be self-sufficient without needing to leave unless they wish.

A planned second phase will see the creation of a patio space and private parking area, so families can come and go without having to walk through the main hospital.

The suite was officially opened by Fergus Singleton, a non-executive director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and chair of Atlas BFW Management Ltd, the Trust’s estates and facilities management company.

He said: “Two years ago, Laura talked me through what she wanted to do and I’m really proud of all the team who have contributed to making the room as special as it is. It is important that we give families the best possible chance at the most difficult of times.”

Funding for the refurbishment received significant support from local bereaved families who have donated over the years, Blue Skies Hospital Fund, the Blackpool and Preston branch of Sands, the still birth and neonatal death charity, and two local businesses, Box Brothers Funeral Directors and A & G Precision.

Laura added: “A huge thank you too to Atlas and all of the wonderful trades people who have worked on this room over the past few weeks.  They have all been so professional, accommodating to me changing my mind, trialling paint colours and ensuring that my vision became a reality.  It has been finished to such a high standard and you’ve all been a pleasure to work with.”

Please reach out to the Swan Maternity Bereavement Team if you require bereavement support: 01253 956877 or bfwh.maternity.bereavement@nhs.net

If you would like to contribute towards improving our maternity bereavement service, please contact, our official NHS charity, Blue Skies Hospital Fund quoting "Maternity Bereavement support" and the team will ensure that all funds are used to improve care for bereaved families after the loss of their baby.

You can contact them via 01253 957904 or by emailing bfwh.blueskies@nhs.net.