The Snowdrop Suite is a sanctuary for bereaved parents at Derriford Hospital, caring for those who sadly lose their baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. 

Set away from the busy maternity department, it offers a comfortable and private space for ongoing care to be given sensitively by midwifery staff. The suite includes a sofa bed, en-suite shower and toilet, and a kitchen with visiting spaces included.

At such a difficult time, the privacy and quite space it provides to parents is incredibly important. It gives a vital opportunity to have their baby by their bedside in a cuddle cot.

Kirstie Willis, Bereavement Midwife at University Hospitals Plymouth, says: “We know that the care bereaved parents receive after their baby dies is so important, as this is an experience that people will remember for the rest of their life.

The involvement of families in choosing the décor, colour schemes and furnishings in the space have made it truly patient centred.

“We know that no facilities will lessen the grief, but we hope that the dedicated space, discretely aside from the rest of the central delivery suite, can help the best care be given in as sensitive an environment as possible.”

To aid with bonding and creating memories, a memory box for keepsakes is provided by staff, and parents are supported to build these memories, through time with their baby. Likewise, there is a memory tree for families to hang a leaf on a branch in memory of their baby.

The generous donations of more than £200,000 from donors, including many bereaved families fundraising in memory of their baby has made this possible. 

If you want to support the Snowdrop Suite to continue developing this sensitive space, you can get involved either by donating, or by fundraising.