Last week, colleagues from paediatrics and gynaecology travelled in their own time to Sunderland to volunteer with the 4Louis charity who provide us with resources to help our patients when babies and children die. The group consisted of paediatric colleagues, Lara-Grace Carlton, Julie Smith and Liz Martel. And gynaecology colleagues, Deborah Farmer and Cath Ryan who all wanted to give back to the charity.
Throughout the day they hand filled the 4Louis 5 -18 year old boxes (pictured below). This included putting together the cards written to bereaved parents from Kirsty (Louis' mum), putting candles into the holders, and adding the knitted hearts. The filled boxes are then packed and labelled ready to be stored and sent out to hospitals all over the country.
The charity also supply boxes for early losses to our gynae wards, mortuaries, maternity and neonatal areas including boxes for twins. All the boxes contain; two teddies so that one can stay with the parents and one with the child, a candle and holder, notebook, a Guess How Much I Love You book, inkless wipes for memory making, plaster cast photo frame, keyring, forget me not seeds and two knitted hearts.
The team also had a tour of the warehouse to see how orders were packed up and sent out.
Child Death Key Worker, Liz Martel, said: "We are all so passionate about supporting bereaved parents and we know what a massive difference this charity makes in the most devastating of times. They are free to the NHS and it really does feel important to give something back in terms of our time as a thank you.
"The highlight was being able to do something to support their fantastic work, knowing that the boxes we packed will bring comfort to families."
Healthcare Assistant, Julie Smith, said: "I loved helping put the parts together that make up the boxes. It was really interesting to hear how the gynae team use the boxes and items."
Staff Nurse, Cath Ryan, added: "Seeing what the warehouse consists of and the amazing staff and volunteers was a real high point for me."
