St Michael’s Hospital lights up to mark end of Baby Loss Awareness Week

Tuesday October 15 marks the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Recognised annually since from 9-15 October, the week is designed to raise awareness and support families who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

This year, the first day of Baby Loss Awareness Week coincided with the government expansion of the baby loss certificate scheme.

On October 9, the government announced that all parents who have lost a baby can apply for a certificate in recognition of their baby’s life.

Previously, only those who had lost a baby from September 2018 could apply.

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity arranged for lights to be projected from St Michael’s Hospital this week – photo: Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

Several events have taken place across the country to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

In Bristol, pink and blue lights shone out from the roof of St Michael’s Hospital every day from 7-10pm.

The lights have been seen across the city, including in Cotham, Redland and Easton.

On October 15, the final night of Baby Loss Awareness Week, the light beams will change to white.

On the final night of Baby Loss Awareness Week, St Michael’s Hospital will turn into a “giant candle” – photo: Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity say this is to “represent a city-wide giant candle” in remembrance of babies families have lost.

Sarah Pryer, director of partnerships & programme at Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, said: “The families who lose a baby at our hospitals are going through one of the most traumatic events of their lives and we want to do everything we can to support them.

“The giant candle is a beacon across the city, in memory of all the little lives longed for and loved deeply, and shows our support for parents and families.

“We hope it will encourage open conversations about pregnancy and baby loss, and let local bereaved families know we stand with them and that they are not alone.

“The lights are also raising vital awareness of the importance of providing a safe and comfortable environment for families to grieve.”

This year, Baby Loss Awareness Week ends with a global ‘Wave of Light’ – photo: Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity is creating this “giant candle” as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week’s global ‘Wave of Light’ campaign.

The ‘Wave of Light’ campaign will see families across the world light a candle at 7pm on October 15 and leave it to burn for at least one hour in memory of a lost baby.

While St Michael’s Hospital lights up, JCDecaux UK digital screens in the city centre will also display a digital image of a burning candle.

“The giant candle is a beacon across the city, in memory of all the little lives longed for and loved deeply” – photo: Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

October 15 will also mark the end of Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity’s Snowdrop Appeal to transform eight bereavement spaces in St Michael’s Hospital and Weston General Hospital.

Sarah Windfeld, director of midwifery at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The Snowdrop Team provide support to parents and families who have sadly experienced a bereavement in pregnancy or shortly after.

“The time the family is able to spend together and the memories created in this time are very special and essential to provide families with the support that they need.

“The Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity Snowdrop Appeal has helped to improve the spaces families stay in to help them feel comfortable and supported, while in our care.”

Main photo: Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity

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