You are not alone. That’s the poignant message from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) as our teams unite with families and communities across the world to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October).
Throughout this nationally celebrated week, which is a time for people to remember much-loved and missed babies as well as raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, The QEH is encouraging people to tie a ribbon, either onto the metal railings or one of the trees at the front of the hospital as a sign of remembrance.
People can bring their own ribbon, or they will be available from the QEH main reception desk. The ribbons will remain in situ for the whole week as a mark of respect and sign of unity.
On Sunday 15 October, as part of the Wave of Light which takes place every year, the Trust’s Arthur Levin Day Surgery Unit will be lot up at 7pm in distinctive blue and pink colours.
The Wave of Light takes place on the final day of Baby Loss Awareness Week as families around the world light candles and leave them burning from 7pm. The symbolic gesture aims to raise awareness and open a space for conversations around baby loss.
Esther Dorken, Head of Midwifery, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is an important time of year, it allows bereaved parents and families to remember the babies no longer with us and provides an outlet for their grief at a time when it’s needed. I’m pleased that we are able to show our support for Baby Loss Awareness Week in this small way.”
Anyone who cannot make it onto site this week but would still like to add a ribbon to the collection outside the hospital can contact the QEH maternity page on Facebook or Twitter (before 14 October) and a member of the team will add a ribbon for you.
To find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week and the support available, visit babyloss-awareness.org.
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For media enquires only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.
For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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