Royal Oldham Hospital holds events for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Gynaecology staff and bereavement midwives at The Royal Oldham Hospital will be supporting families to remember the babies taken too soon this Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th – 15th October).

A number of events and activities have been planned to help families pause, reflect and remember their angel babies in a safe and supportive environment.  

Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th – 15th October) aims to raise awareness about the key issues affecting those who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss in the UK.

Throughout the week bereaved parents, their families and friends, will unite with others across the world to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infancy.

Susan Brierley, Bereavement Midwife at The Royal Oldham Hospital, said, “Losing a baby from stillbirth or neonatal death can be a difficult experience for many families and it’s still very much a sensitive subject within society.

"Baby Loss Awareness Week offers families the chance to come together and remember their babies in a sympathetic, supportive and understanding environment.

"Everyone is welcome to attend any of the organised events and take some time out to reflect on their loss.”

Oldham Council will be showing its support by lighting up the Civic Centre in Oldham Town Centre in pink and blue throughout the week, as will The Royal Oldham Hospital itself.  

A number of events and activities have been planned to mark this important week including a baby memorial service, a petal shower and a wave of light. Key events during Baby Loss Awareness Week in Oldham include: 

Baby Memorial Service - 10th October, 6.45pm (for 7pm start)

This year's Baby Memorial Service will be hosted by the hospital's Spiritual Care Team in the Education Centre. The service will offer families a chance to pause, reflect and remember their loss in a supportive environment. The service will start at 7pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

There will be an information stand available next to the clock near the main entrance of the hospital all week at Oldham for anyone who wishes to pop by and pick up some information on support services available.

Petal Shower at Dexter's Garden - 12th October, 12noon

A petal shower has been arranged in Dexter's Garden for 12 noon on 12th October. Everyone is welcome and families are being asked to ensure that any materials scattered are biodegradable.

Wave of Light - Dexter's Garden - 15th October, 6.45pm (for 7pm start) and North Manchester General Hospital at 7pm 

We will be joining SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) in their global Wave of Light. The Wave of Light is an opportunity for families and friends to commemorate all the babies who lit up our lives for a short time and sadly died too soon.

The Wave of Light will take place in Dexter's Garden from 7pm.

Families that are unable to attend an officially organised event can get involved by doing their own wave of light at home. 

At North Manchester General Hospital, the team will also be offering refreshments in the antenatal clinic from 5.30pm on the Wednesday 15th October, followed by the Wave of Light ceremony in the baby garden at 7pm. A gospel choir will be in attendance at the garden for this event.

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