Construction of neonatal bereavement suite at the QMC almost complete
A bespoke bereavement suite on the new and expanded Neonatal Unit at the Queen’s Medical Centre is nearing completion as part of the Maternity and Neonatal Redesign.
This will be the first time the QMC Neonatal Unit has had a dedicated suite for grieving families and the space has been carefully designed to provide a safe and supportive space on the unit during the most difficult time.
This specialised bereavement suite includes a small kitchen, sleeping area which can be folded away to provide more space, en-suite facilities and storage space for personal belongings. It aims to provide a homely feel, whilst still being clinically equipped to allow for end-of-life care and facilities to enable a family to spend time with their baby.
Gentle lighting has been installed to prevent the suite from having a clinical feel and colours and flooring has been chosen from a natural palette to further reflect a comforting, homely environment.
An additional important feature of the new suite is access to a discreet entrance and exit from the ward to allow grieving families access to the unit without having to pass clinical bays with other babies and their families.
Previously on the QMC Neonatal Unit, families only had access to a quiet room due to limited space. However, within the footprint of the new expanded unit currently under construction, the design team were able to dedicate a specific space to this important suite.
Construction of the new Neonatal Unit, which will see the QMC unit become the biggest neonatal intensive care unit in the East Midlands, began in January 2024 and is in the final stages of completion ahead of its opening in December 2024.
Jenni Twinn, Programme Director for the Maternity and Neonatal Redesign (MNR) programme, said: “The new Neonatal Unit has been designed with the needs of families at its heart and our new bereavement suite is fundamental to this.
“We understand that this is one of the most difficult times that a family will go through and so by ensuring the new suite is as homely as possible we hope to provide a little comfort during their time with us.”
Whilst the new suite is an addition to our QMC unit, there is already a similar suite available to families within our Maternity Unit at Nottingham City Hospital known as the Serenity Suite, which was designed with input from the charity, Forever Stars.
The MNR team have also worked closely with baby-loss charity Forever Stars when designing the neonatal bereavement suite to ensure that we are getting it right for our families.
Jo Waterfall, Family Care Specialist Nurse in Bereavement, said: “The addition of a brand new bereavement suite on our QMC Neonatal Unit is going to make such a difference in providing care to our bereaved families. Whilst no room will lessen the grief and devastation from the death of a baby we hope it will allow us to offer a sensitive, comfortable environment where parents feel safe and have privacy as well as being able to access any support and guidance needed. A designated suite will allow families to have choices, they will be able to spend quality time with their baby and have space to be able to have cuddles, meet the wider family and create lasting memories with their precious little ones”.
To support with further enhancements for the new unit, Nottingham Hospitals Charity are aiming to raise funds as part of its Big Appeal. These include specialist training areas, equipment and improvements to make the whole environment, and particularly the family areas and parent accommodation, as welcoming as possible while their premature babies are being cared for on the unit.
People across the East Midlands can support the Big Appeal by making a donation, taking part in one of Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s fundraising events, holding their own event, or pledging a gift in their will. To find out more about the Big Appeal or to make a donation, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/bigappeal.