As our CHFT Charity prepare to launch the Maternity Bereavement Appeal on Monday, 30th June, Specialist Bereavement Midwife, Sarah Hall, explains why the appeal is so important. 

"As a bereavement midwife at CHFT, I am in a privileged position to care for and support families and colleagues following the loss of a baby. 

"The grief experienced by families is profound and can be made more difficult when they experience this in the middle of a busy labour ward, surrounded by mothers and families celebrating new life. 

"For several years, it has been a vision of mine to work towards providing a bespoke, self-contained suite for the bereaved families of Calderdale and Huddersfield, away from the main labour ward hub, where families can be supported by our Labour Ward colleagues. One which minimises contact with other joyful families, a private, peaceful and supportive space where families can process their grief, spend time making memories with their babies and where extended family members can be accommodated and supported. This suite will have modern ensuite facilities, a kitchenette area, seating area and a double bed where couples can comfort each other. It will have beautiful views of the Calder Valley and natural lighting to enhance any remembrance photography and a specially designed space where staff can carry our memory making, housing all the bereavement resources and parent support materials and where baby can reside when families need time alone. 

"Baby loss can affect anyone and has far reaching consequences across our communities. The care that bereaved parents receive in hospital following the death of their baby is crucial and small details can mean a great deal to recently bereaved parents. The environment in which care is delivered is of particular importance both to families and the staff caring for them at this difficult time. Whilst no facilities can lessen the grief and anguish bereaved parents may feel, well-designed bereavement rooms and suites can ensure that appropriate care is delivered in the most sensitive environment possible, and it would be fantastic if we could make this vision a reality for our bereaved families in the future."

How to get involved with the Maternity Bereavement Appeal

• Join the Annual Hospital Walk on Sunday 6th July. The 10km route is easily accessible, starting at HRI at 11am, finishing at CRH around 1.30pm. You can sign up for the walk on the CHFT Charity website - Big Hospital Walk - CHFT Charity – friends, family members and loved ones are also welcome. If you are walking on behalf of this appeal, use the discount code Appeal25, to enter for just £7.50. The money you help raise from the walk will go directly to the Maternity Bereavement Appeal.
• Speak to one of the CHFT Charity Team who will be out and about across CRH and HRI this week
• Help spread the word, more information about the appeal can be found on the intranet here: Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Charity - CHFT Intranet