Leighton hospital supports bereaved families with purpose-built suite and garden

Leighton Hospital in Crewe is shining a spotlight on the Meadow Suite, a dedicated baby bereavement suite created to support parents and families who are experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a baby.

The Meadow Suite provides a peaceful, non-clinical space where parents can spend precious time with their baby and create memories which need to last a lifetime. It includes a private outdoor courtyard for quiet reflection, a separate entrance and exit, and a dedicated parking space, ensuring privacy for families during their most difficult moments.

The suite opened in Summer 2023 and has since supported many families during their hardest days.

Specialist bereavement midwife, Kelly Heaton shared: 

"In the darkest times, giving families the freedom to grieve in their own way makes a huge difference. Providing such a space for families, while offering full support, means a lot to them and to all the midwives here at Mid Cheshire.

What may seem like small details can make a big difference to a family dealing with a tremendous loss: the privacy of a private entrance, space for family to visit, a double bed for two parents to stay, carefully selected books to share with their little one.

We know the Meadow Suite is unique for a hospital of our size, and we’re so grateful to have this facility to enhance the experience we offer our patients."

Patients have fed back that the suite was a home from home which supported them to relax during a stressful time. It felt comfortable, calm, and safe. Being able to labour separately from the maternity ward was a huge relief and most importantly they got spend time with their baby.

Prior to the Meadow Suite opening, women who had a bereavement would be in the usual labour rooms, on the same corridor where other babies were being born.

The suite was made possible through the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity’s (MCH Charity) ‘Lost Little Ones’ fundraising appeal, which raised £100,000. Robertson Construction, the construction partner, significantly contributed to the suite as part of their community commitment, adding 150% to the budget.

Emma Robertson, Head of MCH Charity, said:

“It’s so important that we acknowledge the huge impact that our Lost Little Ones Appeal had on bereaved families during Baby Loss Awareness Week. The creation of the Meadow Suite was one of the biggest achievements of MCH Charity and is a perfect example of the difference NHS charities can make to patient care and experience.

The Meadow Suite is the result of incredible dedication and support from our, local communities, businesses, NHS staff, Robertson Construction, and bereaved parents. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this suite a reality.”

Dirk Pittaway, Regional Managing Director of Robertson Construction North West, commented:

“As a family business, we have family values at our core, and we understand the importance of supporting families through challenging times. Several of our colleagues have a personal understanding of the difference the Meadow Suite makes, and we’re proud to have been involved in such a meaningful project.”

If you would like to support the work of MCH Charity and their Lost Little Ones fund, please head to: 

Lost Little Ones - Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity (mchcharity.org)

Pictured - The Meadow Suite Living Area.