The Health Tree Foundation The Health Tree Foundation

Work on new maternity bereavement suite has started

Work on the new maternity bereavement suite at Scunthorpe General Hospital has started thanks to people’s donations.

The Health Tree Foundation, the hospital’s official charity, launched an appeal in 2016 and has since raised more than £150,000.


Work on the project started on Monday March 18, which will see an area on the Central Delivery Suite (CDS) transformed.

The specialist suite has been designed by architects with the input of local families who have sadly lost a baby. The new suite will provide a safe haven for mothers who have just given birth to a stillborn baby or their baby only has a few hours to live before they pass away.

The spacious suite will have its own bathroom, shower room, a comfortable lounge area which features a bed settee, a television and kitchenette along with a bedroom for the parents. It is hoped the homely furnishings will make the room feel less clinical and provide private space for families to be together in a quiet and comfortable environment for as long as they wish.

HTF are still asking for people to carry on fundraising for the appeal and to help provide continued support for this area so once complete they are able to keep up with the up-keep of the room and help to carry on creating the bereavement casts which are also funded by the charity.

HTF community champion Hayley Thompson said: “I can’t express how pleased I am that this appeal has come to fruition and for all of the people who were so generous with their time, money and energy.

“Local people deserve this facility and so many people have worked hard to make this idea become a reality. Thank you to everyone who has been involved.”

Health Tree Foundation charity manager Victoria Winterton said: “We are so excited that our first major appeal at Scunthorpe has started. We’re so proud of everyone that has supported the appeal and for those with families that have been through losing a baby it’s not been easy for them. We can’t thank them enough and everyone that has supported the appeal. It’s a wonderful achievement for this great community we live in, in North Lincolnshire.”

The work on the suite is set to take 10 weeks. Central delivery suite manager Jane Stoney said: “We are delighted that work is to commence on the suite. It will provide much needed space for families to spend precious memories with their baby in such devastating circumstances. I would like to say a big thanks to everyone that has supported the appeal to make this happen.”

Supporters who have helped with the project are being asked to get in touch with HTF community champion Hayley Thompson regarding weekly updates with the build and to also be invited along to an open event which will take place in July.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Peter Reading said: “I am delighted that the work on the suite has started. This suite will be such a comfort to our bereaved parents and families at a very difficult time.  I’d like to say a thank you to the Health Tree Foundation, the team on Central Delivery Suite and everyone that has donated or fundraised for this appeal.”

If you would like further information about the appeal please contact HTF community champion Hayley Thompson on Hayley.thompson3@nhs.net

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