Creating a safe sanctuary for our bereaved families

Our dedicated, specialist Snowdrop Team, support 170 bereaved families every year affected by the death of their child. They provide a 24 hour, 365 days a year response service to families during an extremely distressing time. Our Alder Centre who work alongside our Snowdrop Team, provides a longterm service to anyone, including staff, affected by the death of a child.

This includes long-term counselling, holistic therapies, therapeutic breaks and support groups.

We have two bereavement suites for families to spend time with their child in the days following their death in a safe and special environment. Families tell us how much this means to them, being able to make final memories together as they begin their bereavement journey.

Currently the suites are no longer creating the appropriate environment we wish to provide for our bereaved families. We believe our families deserve the best care at what is the most traumatic time in their lives. We want to be able to offer a sanctuary, where families experience a warm, welcoming, and safe atmosphere as soon as they walk in.

The suites are not a mandatory NHS service and rely heavily on charitable funding. The care that bereaved parents receive in hospital following the death of their child is crucial. Alder Hey prides itself on attention to the small details alongside highquality care. Whilst no facilities can lessen the grief bereaved parents may feel, a well-designed bereavement suite can ensure families are cared for in the most sensitive environment possible. Our newly refurbished bereavement suites will be a comfortable and safe space for our families to grieve, and support our aim to provide a centre of excellence in bereavement care, in the north west and beyond.

If you would like more information on the bereavement suite refurbishment please contact: amanda.jones@alderhey.nhs.uk