Families invited to Torbay Hospital’s baby remembrance weekend

Published: 28 November 2016

Torbay Hospital is inviting local families who have experienced the loss of a baby, in pregnancy or in the early days of life, to remember their loved ones this Christmas.

This year’s annual baby remembrance weekend is being held on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December and gives families an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

The hospital’s maternity unit, A&E and chaplaincy services have joined up with local parents and the Totnes branch of SANDS (Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society), ‘Little Footprints’ to arrange the weekend.

On Saturday 3 December (2pm – 4pm) there will be a craft afternoon in the Bayview Restaurant at the hospital for all ages to be creative and make things to remember. There will be a range of activities available, suitable for the youngest children up to adults.

The service of remembrance for babies is on Sunday 4 December (3pm) in the Torbay Hospital Chapel. This will include a chance to light a candle, place a star on a tree and have a name or message read out if desired. Following the service, families will be able to have tea and refreshments in the Bayview Restaurant.

Sam Blatchford, Community Midwife at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust which runs Torbay Hospital, said: “The loss of a baby can affect everyone in the family – brothers, sisters and grandparents as well as the parents themselves. The remembrance weekend aims to provide all who have experienced the loss of a baby with a way to remember their loved ones no matter how long ago they experienced their loss.

“The theme this year is ‘rainbows’ and will reflect especially on how we can begin to look forward to things again after coming through such a sad experience. There is no need to book a place; people can simply turn up to either event if they wish.”

If you would like more details about the baby remembrance weekend, contact the Chaplaincy on 01803 654186.