Doncaster Royal Infirmary opens specialist bereavement suite

The Serenity Suite aims to provide a private and comforting environment where families can find solace, process their grief, and create cherished memories with their precious babies. This facility has been meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of families experiencing baby loss, offering privacy, empathy, and specialised care.

Speaking about the opening of the new area, Rhian said: “I want to say a huge thank you to every family, business and organisation, all of whom have helped make this dream a reality.”

"The Suite will help give the families a more comfortable, private environment to stay in, and give them time to make everlasting memories with their baby. Giving them the time to say hello, whilst saying goodbye.”

The opening was attended by individual supporters such as Carla Spence, who has pledged an incredible £30,000 to the appeal.

Community and charity groups, Thorne Rural Lions, Tickhill & District Lions Club, Sands United South Yorkshire and Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust, and corporate supporters Albermarle Homes, were also in attendance.

The Lions Clubs contributed approximately £40,000 to the appeal and awarded Rhian a rare special recognition badge, of which there are only 25.

The Serenity Suite forms part of the larger charity campaign by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, ‘The Serenity Appeal’, which to date has raised £157,761.06 to bolster maternity bereavement services at the Trust with a pledged amount of just under £190,000.

Fundraising events for the Serenity Appeal by companies, individuals and community groups included raffles, 20-mile sponsored walks, skydives and much more.

Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “I would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all of the incredible supporters of the Serenity Appeal. They are the foundation of such a campaign and deserve a huge amount of credit for making the Serenity Suite a reality.

“For the families who go through this heart-breaking experience, the suite will now provide a comforting and private space, where all their needs are met, easing their pain with support from our specialist bereavement midwifery team.”

To read more about the Serenity Appeal, visit our charity website: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/serenity-appeal/