If you are visiting this page because you or someone you know has or is experiencing pregnancy loss or the death of a baby we are truly sorry for your loss and offer our sincere condolences.
We hope that by reading the information on this page you gain an understanding of the support available to you at this time.
We also have a useful leaflet available with further advice and support about how we will support you through this difficult time.
Care Following Your Pregnancy LossBereavement midwife
Our Trust employs a specialist bereavement midwife who is based on the delivery suite (Ward 18/19) at the University Hospital North Tees.
However, the bereavement midwife can and will see families in any location, such as:
University Hospital of North Tees
Different wards in hospital
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Community settings
Families domestic address
The bereavement midwife supports anyone experiencing pregnancy loss after 14 weeks gestation (12 weeks gestation if going through termination for medical reasons) or early neonatal death and can offer advice or referral to other specialist services.
Your bereavement midwife will:
- Coordinate your care throughout your stay in hospital – both immediate and long-term
- Provide emotional support and guidance
- Will be a single point of contact for families going through this challenging time
The bereavement midwife will do all she can to support you in the weeks and months following the loss of your baby.
The bereavement midwife has strong working relationships with other services you may come into contact with such as:
- Trust bereavement officers
- Trust mortuary team
- Trust chaplaincy team and counselling services
- Other relevant bereavement services, such as The Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle
The bereavement midwife can support you by helping to facilitate and oversee your involvement with other services, hopefully making you feel less overwhelmed.
Our bereavement midwife will support and guide you through some of the difficult choices you may be faced with making such as, the tests and investigations available to you and your baby i.e. a post mortem examination and funeral arrangements.
They will also liaise with other relevant healthcare professionals relating to your ongoing care and ensure your postnatal follow up appointment with your consultant is arranged.
Snowdrop Suite
The Snowdrop Suite is based on Delivery Suite at North Tees Hospital and is for use of bereaved families. It comprises of two separate ensuite bedrooms with refreshment facilities (a fridge and kettle for hot drinks) and one clinical room.
The Snowdrop Suite is accessed via a private entrance that is separate from main delivery suite. This means that bereaved families do not need to walk through main delivery suite.
Snowdrop Suite location
- Enter the University Hospital of North Tees by the main front entrance revolving doors
- Turn left past Panacea Pharmacy and Cutting Edge Hairdressers
- Turn right at the hairdressers and up the stairs
- Turn right at the top of the stairs
- There will be a sign on the wall in front of you for the Snowdrop Suite, with an arrow pointing upwards
- You walk up another set of stairs and you will see the intercom button to buzz for access
A midwife will greet you, show you into your room and continue your care. The bereavement midwife will also aim to see you during your stay along with doctors, bereavement officers and the chaplaincy team if you wish.
Making precious memories
Spending time in the Snowdrop Suite allows you precious time with your baby/babies to be able to make precious memories.
Staff are able to assist with memory making which can involve:
- creating hand and prints or clay casts
- taking photographs
- dressing and bathing your baby/babies
- supporting other family members to meet your baby
We would aim to never separate you from your baby/babies and your baby can stay in your room with you in a ‘Cuddle Cot’ if you wish.
If you wish to take your baby home we can also help support and facilitate this.
Chaplaincy team
During your time on Delivery Suite you may wish to access the services of our Chaplaincy Team.
The hospital chaplains can be called upon at any time including overnight, bank holidays and weekends, they provide services such as; pastoral care and support for you or any member of your family. They also can attend delivery suite and provide your baby/babies with a blessing and can support you during the funeral process for your baby/babies.
Light and hope service
We welcome you to attend our monthly ‘Light and Hope’ baby loss memorial service that takes place on the last Tuesday of the month at 12:15pm in the Oasis Spirituality Centre at North Tees Hospital. This is a short service of light and reflection.
You are also welcome to visit the Spirituality Centre during your stay on delivery suite and staff can assist you with this.
Counselling service
Following the loss of your baby you will be offered referral to our counselling service.
You do not have to accept this referral but can change your mind at any time. Our Trust employs two maternity unit counsellors that are specifically qualified to offer counselling to families that have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a baby/babies.
You will be informed of current and expected waiting times upon a discussion with your midwife.
Patient leaflet: Counselling after the loss of a babyContact
Bereavement midwife
For the Bereavement Midwife contact switchboard on 01642 617617
Ask for your bereavement midwife on extension 46187
Email is checked Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
Email
[email protected]
Bereavement midwife (ask for extension 46187)
01642 617617
Bereavement support officer (Mon to Fri, 8am to 4pm)
01642 383286
Delivery suite (support from a midwife 24hrs a day)
01642 82818
