New Maternity Bereavement Suite is completed thanks to Snowdrop Appeal

Scarborough Hospital’s new maternity bereavement suite, which was made possible thanks to money raised by The Snowdrop Appeal, has now been completed.

The Snowdrop Appeal, which was launched in June 2013, raised over £130,000 thanks to the generosity of local people.

Work began on the project in January, transforming a staff changing area and break room into the new purpose designed suite which will make a difference for those families who sadly lose a baby in pregnancy or shortly after birth.

The works have been completed on time and the suite is exactly what was set out to be achieved.

The spacious suite has its own bathroom and features a bed settee in the lounge area, a television and a coffee machine. The homely furnishings make the room feel less clinical despite being situated off the labour ward. The private space will allow families to be together in a quiet and comfortable environment for as long as they wish.

Rebecca Lord, Capital Projects Manager, said “This has been an incredibly rewarding project to work on. Funded entirely through donations from the local community, the contractors who worked on the project have done so on a not-for-profit basis.

“There has also been a huge amount of patient input. From the colour schemes and fabrics to the design were all chosen by parents who had lost a child.”

Maya Richardson, Fundraising Officer, said: “I can’t express how pleased I am that this appeal has come to fruition and for all of the people who were so generous with their time, money and energy to see the finished suite.

“Local people deserve this facility and so many people have worked hard to make this idea become reality.  Much more than just a suite has come from this appeal. People are now talking about what has previously been a taboo subject and the Scarborough area now has a SANDs group for families to go to for further support.  People should feel very proud.”

24 May 2016