Recent generous donations have allowed the local branch of national bereavement charity Sands to further support families affected by baby loss through enhancing the Rainbow Room at Dumfries Infirmary.
The Rainbow Room, within the women’s and children’s unit, is a space for families to have privacy and comfort in the days after losing their baby and to spend as long as possible with them before having to say goodbye.
New soft furnishings for the bedroom and sitting area have been added, making it more comfortable, and for the first time a table and chairs have been added so that families can sit and eat while staying there.
Sands representative Alison Hall made a recent visit to see the Rainbow Room with its latest additions.
She was also there to present two new bedding liners for the cot that stays in the room.
Senior charge midwife Hannah Gray said: “As lead for bereavement care in maternity services I’m delighted with the new additions to the Rainbow Room. Making this environment as comfortable as possible makes a real difference to parents and families.
“I’m so pleased that not only do we have two new white embroidered liners for the cot but it’s very special that they are handmade.
“A lot of time and care has gone into this lovely donation.”
Alison Hall, founder of D&G Sands, hospital liaison volunteer and befriender for the charity, said: “We are so grateful to Hannah and all the staff who help and support bereaved families at the women’s and children’s unit within DGRI.
“They ensure families receive the highest standard of care, and we know how appreciative they are of what Sands provide for families in support and with the Rainbow Room.
“We all work hard as a team to try ease the suffering families feel at such a tragic time.
“To have a private, comfortable space available, away from the busy maternity ward, is so important and allows the family the privacy and time they need.
“D&G Sands are extremely grateful to everyone for their support in fundraising which allows us to continue to help bereaved families.“
Dressmaker Lawrie McGill added: “I was approached by Alison about the possibility of making a bedding liner for the cot in the Rainbow
Room.
“Such care and thought has gone into the Rainbow Room and with such attention to detail that I was delighted to have the privilege of making them.”
The Dumfries and Galloway branch of Sands has a long standing relationship with NHS maternity services in the region and works with them to support families locally who suffer the loss of a baby during pregnancy or in the neonatal period.
“We are so grateful to them for their ongoing fundraising for this very special and unique cause.”