24 March 2023

A new maternity bereavement unit, the Butterfly Suite, has opened at York Hospital thanks to the support of local people and a generous donation from the York branch of the stillbirth and neonatal charity, Sands.

An appeal was launched by York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity to raise £250,000 to create the Butterfly Suite, opening with a £94,672 donation from Sands. It received huge support from the local community and hospital staff, reaching its target despite the pandemic.

While the hospital did have a designated room for parents to use and stay in with their baby, it was quite small and functional. The new suite offers more space, privacy, and is specifically designed to give families somewhere they feel safe and cared for at an incredibly difficult time.

Bev Shelley, Bereavement Midwife at York Hospital, said: “The loss of a baby at any time is devastating for parents and their families. Good bereavement care at the start of a parent’s grief journey can have an impact on their long-term mental wellbeing. The creation of a purposely designed bereavement room is an essential part of this. It helps to create a sanctuary for parents away from the busy workings of a delivery ward. 

“The new bereavement unit provides more much needed space, is soundproofed, has new furnishings and equipment and access to its own garden. It promotes a quiet, welcoming area for parents to spend quality time with their baby, creating memories that need to last a lifetime.”

The hospital held an opening day organised by York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, to thank those who helped to make the project possible.

Kim Reilly from York Sands said: “The death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or after birth is a major bereavement. It is invaluable to have this room to spend the time with your baby, bathing them and taking photos in a safe environment. These are the memories you take away with you and it’s vital you feel safe in the room.  The care parents receive around this time has a huge impact on their long-term wellbeing and we are delighted to be able to support the Butterfly Appeal.”

Donna Wallis and Matthew Bailey wanted to show their gratitude to staff at the hospital after their baby daughter Olivia was born sleeping last June and organised Olivia’s Dream Charity Ball, raising almost £30,000 for the Butterfly Suite. Their fundraising will go towards the private garden courtyard where they have already installed a bench in memory of Olivia.

Donna said: “It’s been fantastic to see the finished project, the suite is so much better than the previous room and so much more comfortable. I’m so proud that Olivia’s tiny life has made a difference and will help bring comfort to families in the most difficult of times.”