“You are not alone” is the powerful message from The QEH as teams come together with families and communities across the world to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 to 15 October).
Throughout this national week, which is a time for people to remember much-loved and missed babies and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, The QEH is encouraging people to tie a ribbon in our special Butterfly Garden as a sign of remembrance.
People can bring their own ribbon, or ribbons will be available from The QEH main reception desk. People can also contact the Maternity team through their dedicated Facebook page and request that a ribbon is tied on their behalf. The ribbons will remain on display throughout the week as a mark of respect and symbol of unity.
On Sunday 11 October, the hospital will hold its annual SANDS Baby Loss Memorial Service in the Sacred Space from 3pm. All are welcome to attend.
The theme of the service is Flowers. The service will include music, poetry and the reading of the names of much-loved babies.
The event acknowledges that the experience of pregnancy or baby loss can be deeply isolating and provides an opportunity for families to come together in remembrance and support.
After the service there will be an opportunity to look around the beautiful Butterfly Garden. The thoughtfully designed space now features more than 40 butterflies – each one a hand-forged sculpture with some bearing the names of babies lovingly remembered by their families.
The Garden, which was funded by the hospital’s own QEHKL Charity, serves as a poignant reminder of the brief yet impactful lives that have touched many hearts.
On Thursday 15 October, as part of a Wave of Light the Trust’s Arthur Levin Day Surgery Unit will be illuminated in distinctive blue and pink colours from 7pm.
Families are also invited to take part by lighting a candle safely at home from 7pm.
We are also inviting families to light artificial candles in the Butterfly Garden. You are welcome to bring your own, but candles will be available on the night.
The symbolic gesture aims to raise awareness and open a space for conversations around baby loss.
To find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week and the support available, visit babyloss-awareness.org.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
