Work to create 'much needed' babyloss unit set to begin at Birmingham Women’s Hospital - The Solihull Observer

Work to create 'much needed' babyloss unit set to begin at Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Solihull Editorial 31st May, 2022   0

WORK is set to begin on a ‘much needed’ bereavement centre for families experiencing babyloss at Birmingham Women’s Hospital after the fund-raising appeal successfully reached its target.

Ambitious plans to raise £3million to create Woodland House launched three years ago to give families a safe haven in which to grieve – away from the hustle and bustle of the busy maternity ward.

The appeal was supporting by families and charities including Balsall Common based The Lily Mae Foundation.

Amy Jackson, founder of the Lily Mae Foundation, said: “We are absolutely thrilled this milestone has finally been hit and work can start on this much needed bereavement centre.




“One of the hardest things about navigating life immediately after babyloss, is having to do this in hospital, surrounded by families celebrating all around you, there really is no escape and respite from continuous physical triggers in the hospital setting.

“To have a standalone bereavement centre will make the tough journey our families are on, so much more comfortable and enable them to receive the care and compassion they deserve.”


Work will begin this summer and when complete it will feature separate and private access from the hospital.

It will boast counselling rooms, a private garden, a large communal lounge area for support groups, and a family room with its own private access and garden.

It will also have a private and sensitive viewing room for families returning to see their baby, offering families the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones in comfort and serenity.

Mark Brider, chief executive at Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, said: “Approximately 2,000 families experience pregnancy or baby loss at our hospital every year.

“Many of these brave families have shared their heartbreaking stories throughout the appeal, each one reflecting on how different their experience might have been, if somewhere like Woodland House had existed.

“We’re grateful to them all for inspiring more and more people to give, to make things better for our future families.”

Any ongoing public fundraising Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity is aware of, has already been counted towards the £3m target.

However, fundraising will continue for Woodland House as building starts, and beyond, to continue to make the centre a home away from home where bereaved families can forget about their surroundings.

Find out more about the Woodland House Appeal or make a donation online at bwh.org.uk/woodland-house, or to donate £5, text WOODLAND to 70970 (standard terms apply).

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