'New bereavement suite is a game changer for grieving families'

A new bereavement suite has opened at a hospital in Coventry to provide a space for families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss.

The space at the University Hospital has been designed to offer grieving mothers, partners and relatives' privacy, comfort and dignity.

The project has been supported by families who have experienced baby loss with many helping to raise funds for various items, including artwork and sofas.

Ceri Key, who supported the appeal after losing her baby, Rufus, said: "We hope they never need to be used. But I know that if families do have to sadly say goodbye to their baby, this is a more appropriate and kinder environment in which to make those memories."

Ceri, and her husband Billy, lost their baby, Rufus, in October 2020 due to a silent placenta abruption and HELLP syndrome, a rare life-threatening condition that can affect pregnant women.

The pair have raised £25,000 for the new suite which is located away from the Labour Ward and includes high-level soundproofing, and a separate entrance to provide a more private environment.

Ceri said the suite will be a "game changer" for grieving families.

"I didn't have bereavement suite so I was put on the post-natal ward with Rufus with living babies and it was extremely distressing, on top of what was a really traumatic and distressing experience," she said.

"Having those spaces that feel more homely, private, soundproof, really does make a huge difference".

Ceri added that the two bespoke rooms "look like a home" and are equipped with "everything you need so you can lock yourself away until you are ready to go back into the real world".

The hospital's Director of Midwifery, Mara Tonks, told BBC CWR that it was "overwhelming" to see the impact it had on the families involved in the opening.

"I don't think any of us expected it to be such a beautiful space that it has turned into – the families felt how different their care would have been if they had a facility like this," she said.

Emma and Jordan Fellows raised £18,000 after experiencing the grief of losing twins, Freddie at 22 weeks and Frankie just 13 days short of his due date.

Emma said the bereavement suite will have "a positive impact on a lot of families".

Miesha Virdi lost her daughter, Aria, from a rare condition called non-immune late onset Hydrops Fetalis (NIHF) just a few hours after she was born in March 2024.

Miesha was inspired to raise more than £4,700 to support other families and said the new bereavement suite will be "such an asset for the hospital".

"From my own experience I realised how important it was to feel like you are in a safe environment and somewhere where people understand."

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