-
Support, information and compassionate care when a baby dies at any stage in pregnancy.
- Address: Tunbridge Wells Hospital,
What we do
Sadly, some pregnancies end in loss.
In the UK there are 3.16 stillbirths per 1000, and 1.7 neonatal deaths (a baby who dies within the first four weeks of life).
Babies are also lost through the difficult decision to end a much-wanted pregnancy due to an abnormality detected antenatally.
In our maternity department, we offer support, information and compassionate care when a baby dies at any stage in pregnancy.
Dedicated bereavement support midwives work closely with gynae nurses, midwives and doctors, sonographers, chaplaincy and community staff to ensure joined up care and a point of contact at what is often a bewildering time.
Facilities and support
The Early Gynae Assessment Unit (EGAU) is open for advice from 7.15am – 7pm.
The Unit provides access to sonography and specialist advice for women up to 16 weeks pregnant experiencing symptoms such as bleeding and pain. Referral is via GP or midwife.
A quiet room in the clinic area provides a private space to take in information when difficult news is given following ultrasound scan or screening tests.
The Hope Butler bereavement suite enables parents to have time together in early labour and following delivery. It is close to the delivery suite to enable ongoing care from midwifery staff.
With a double bed, bathroom and kitchenette it provides a private and quiet space to spend time as a family, with the opportunity to have baby by the bedside in one of our cold cots according to parents’ individual wishes.
A memory box for keepsakes, along with personalised memory booklet is provided by staff, and parents are supported to help create memories through time with the baby, taking hand and footprints as well as photographs if wanted.
Community midwives offer to visit at home, and ongoing support is provided by bereavement midwives, along with consultant follow up to discuss the results of any investigations carried out.
Any comments about bereavement care received are welcomed by the team.
Feedback can be given through the online version of the Maternity Bereavement Experience Measure (MBEM) developed by NHS England in conjunction with Sands.
An annual Service of Remembrance is held each year in Tunbridge Wells Hospital Chapel.
Get in touch
Bereavement midwives: call 01892 633484 or 07736 486032, or email mtw-tr.bereavementmidwives@nhs.net
Chaplain: 01892 635438 mtw-tr.chaplaincyteam@nhs.net
Bereavement and Medical Examiner Service: 01892 632923/ 01622 224251
Support
Other sources of support and information
- Miscarriage Association
- Tommy's
- Antenatal Results and Choices is a national charity helping parents and healthcare professionals through antenatal screening and its consequences
- The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families
- Twins Trust Bereavement Service offers compassionate support to families experiencing the loss of one or more of a set of twins or triplets
- Saying Goodbye provides information, advice and support to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy
Photography
- Remember My Baby are a registered charity with professional photographers volunteering for the benefit of parents losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. Photographers in our local area can be contacted directly by following the links on the website, or by midwives in the hospital.