Bereavement garden to be created for Antrim Hospital

It is part of a new bereavement service that is being developed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

A “Rainbow Clinic” will be specifically designed for those who have had a previous pregnancy loss and are now in a subsequent pregnancy. There are also plans for a “Butterfly Group” which will bring together staff and parents who have experienced a loss to develop the bereavement service.

As part of the initiative, Bereavement Support Midwife, Lesley-Ann Kennedy, has been appointed. Previously, Lesley-Anne was a Midwifery Sister in Causeway Hospital, Coleraine.

Caroline Diamond, Head of Midwifery in the Northern Trust, said: “We have listened to the parents in our service and are now really pleased to have this role in place. This service will provide extra support and guidance to ensure that in the midst of the most difficult situation, women and their families will have that dedicated support available to enable the healthiest experience possible. Our goal is to provide an outstanding bereavement service that holistically supports women, partners and their families through loss.”

It is anticipated that the Butterfly Group will meet six times a year initially and members can opt to attend as many meetings as they like. Further information from [email protected]