Oxford families invited to leave baby remembrance messages

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

Oxford University Hospitals is inviting bereaved families to leave remembrance messages during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is inviting bereaved families to leave remembrance messages during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 15 October. Families are asked to write messages on leaves to hang on a garden trellis in the butterfly garden, located on level 7 of the Women's Centre at John Radcliffe Hospital. The display will grow throughout the week, offering parents and loved ones a place to honour and remember their baby.

Paula Gallacher, bereavement specialist midwife at OUH, said the week is a chance for those affected by baby loss and their families and friends to come together, share their experiences and remember their babies. She added that it is an opportunity to raise awareness of baby loss so that no one feels they have to grieve in silence, and to make sure families know where they can find support. Leaving a message gives parents and families a way to remember their baby both privately and alongside others who understand.

Remembrance trees are in place on level 7 of the Women's Centre and in the neonatal unit. Families unable to visit can email BereavementMidwives@ouh.nhs.uk or NNUbereavementnurses@ouh.nhs.uk to have a heart written for their baby and placed on the tree by the OUH team. A 30-minute remembrance service will be held in the chapel at John Radcliffe Hospital on Thursday, 15 October at 10am, led by OUH chaplain Ruth Fitter, and is open to anyone affected by baby loss without requiring booking.

How it is being reported

• Oxford families invited to leave baby remembrance messagesOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is marking Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9 to 15.Oxford Mail · 15 Oct, 05:00
• Oxford families invited to leave baby remembrance messagesOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is marking Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9 to 15.Oxfordshire Guardian · 15 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · John Radcliffe Hospital · Paula Gallacher · Ruth Fitter

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