09 October 2023

York Hospital will show its support for Baby Loss Awareness Week this October by once again turning the lights on the hospital blue and pink, aiming to highlight the emotional impact of pregnancy and baby loss.

The annual awareness week (9-15 October), now in its 21st year, is an opportunity for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss, and their families and friends to unite with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives and lost pregnancies.

There are around 50 families a year who will sadly suffer the loss of their baby at York Hospital.

A new maternity bereavement unit, the Butterfly Suite, opened in March 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.

The suite has a private courtyard garden, specially designed for bereaved families.  The space gives families the best possible experience at one of the worst times of their lives.

Bev Shelley, Maternity Bereavement Midwife at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “We hope turning the hospital pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.  The Butterfly Suite is a tranquil private space and has been welcomed by families and hospital staff.

“Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year.  It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.

She added: “Parents tell us how important it is that they find a way to remember their baby in a way that suits them. Some join with others at special services organised by their local hospital or a local support organisation, some find solace in events organised by their faith community, while others will remember alone in a way unique to them.”

Baby Loss Awareness week culminates on 15 October with the global ‘Wave of Light’, when families across the world are invited to light a candle at 7 pm and leave it burning to remember all babies who have died too soon.

Families will also have an opportunity to light a candle in memory of their baby at one of two services: on Tuesday 10 October between 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm at York Hospital Chapel and Thursday 12 October between 1pm - 2pm at Scarborough Hospital chapel.