A place to grieve in peace at Wansbeck General Hospital

Feb 17 2010 by Helen Rae, The Journal

FAMILIES who have suffered the loss of a baby have access to a new room at a hospital to help them cope with their bereavement.

The Willow Room, in the delivery suite of Wansbeck General Hospital, is a peaceful space for grieving relatives.

It has been completed by the Teardrop Support Group in association with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which runs the hospital and others across Northumberland and North Tyneside. The Teardrop Support Group is a voluntary organisation which supports parents and relatives of babies who have been lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination of pregnancy because of foetal abnormality.

The group has raised approximately £15,000 for the room through fundraising activities over the last two years. These have included two Teardrop Balls, two Bailey’s Bike Rides, an entertainment evening and a host of other events.

Lorna McKenzie, co-ordinator of the Teardrop Support Group and counsellor at the Trust, said: “Because we are so aware of the devastating pain associated with the loss of a baby, we approached the Trust and asked that special facilities be allocated for use at these times. The room was identified and has been decorated and specially furnished with the aim of making a private, comfortable space available at such a painful time.

“The name ‘Willow’ was felt particularly appropriate, as the weeping willow is one of the most symbolic of all trees in the world. The willow is usually looked upon with a vision of sadness and grief, yet sitting under the willow can be seen as protection and comfort.

“The room was only made possible by the generosity of individuals and local businesses which have supported and donated time and money and fundraised.

“We will continue to raise funds to ensure that supplies of items including memory boxes, toiletries, books, disposable cameras and phone cards are maintained and are available for each patient whose baby has died.”

The Teardrop Support Group is affiliated to Sands – the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society. The room was opened by Bridie Grant, Clinical Consultant Psychologist, who formed the group in 1992.

Ann Wright, director of surgery at the Trust, said: “Thank you to everyone at the Teardrop Support Group who has worked on the project and raised or donated money. It is fantastic addition to the hospital and will be of great comfort to families at what is an extremely difficult time.”

:: For more information about the Teardrop Support Group, visit www.teardrop-supportgroup.co.uk