This year, Baby Loss Awareness Week ran from 9 to 15 October, and health professionals at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) have held a number of events to mark the occasion.
On Friday 15 October, the Trust held their Annual Baby Memorial Service. The service is for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby. The event is an annual Trust tradition which is usually held on-site allowing parents and families to come together and remember their babies, however due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year the service was held online and streamed via the Trust’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
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Simon Russell, Chaplaincy Team Leader, at the Trust, said: “Prior to the pandemic, each year we welcomed parents to come to our hospitals and quietly reflect on their experiences or share their special memories with others who have been through the loss of a baby. As a result of COVID-19, we have to do things differently, and this service, like last year, is virtual, however, colleagues and I are glad that we are still able to provide a meaningful ceremony, albeit digitally. On behalf of all involved in hosting this special service, I sincerely hope that the below film brings comfort to bereaved parents as they remember little ones who are sadly no longer with us.”
The service is available to watch on the Trust’s website at www.dbth.nhs.uk.
As well as the service, both Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital have been shining pink and blue during this week, to help spread awareness about baby loss and help to reduce the stigma around talking about the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or death following birth. English Heritage and Doncaster Council have also shown their support, with a number of Local Authority buildings shining similarly, as well as Conisbrough Castle.
The Trust will also be supporting a ‘wave of light’ evening at All Saints Church in Harworth. Those who have been affected by baby loss are invited to go along and light a candle in memory of their little ones who were taken too soon and stay for a memorial service.
Rev’d Nicky Skipworth, Vicar of the Parish of Harworth and Bircotes, Styrrup and Hesley said: “While All Saints’ has hosted the local Wave of Light for the last two years we are so glad, this year, to be working in partnership with our new friends from the hospital trust bereavement care team. Together, we warmly and openly invite anyone experiencing the loss of a baby or child on Friday 15 October. Other children of all ages are also welcome to come along. If you would prefer to take part via a live-stream, please visit us on Facebook at ‘All Saints’ Church, Harworth and Bircotes’.
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Finally, colleagues at the Trust, including the organisation’s Bereavement Midwives, Rhian Morris and Matt Proctor have been visiting a number of community locations throughout the past seven days, talking to local people who have experienced loss and raising further awareness.