Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is honoring Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024, which runs from October 9 to 15, with the installation of remembrance trees across its facilities.
This annual awareness week, now in its 22nd year, provides bereaved parents, families, and friends a chance to remember the lives of their babies while raising awareness about the impact of baby loss.
The remembrance trees are set up in key locations, including the gynaecology ward, neonatal unit, and level 7 of the women’s center at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Additional trees can be found at the early pregnancy assessment unit in Rose Hill and at Horton General Hospital’s midwifery-led unit in Banbury. Messages can also be displayed on a trellis in the bereavement garden at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Paula Gallacher, a bereavement specialist midwife at the trust, shared the importance of this week: “Baby Loss Awareness Week allows those affected by baby loss, along with their families and friends, to come together and remember these lost lives. It also raises awareness of the challenges surrounding baby loss and highlights the support provided by charities and organizations.”
Gallacher emphasized that the remembrance trees serve as a way for families to publicly and privately honor their babies. “It’s a beautiful symbol of remembrance. Sometimes, actions like placing a leaf on the tree can express feelings more profoundly than words,” she added.
Families wishing to dedicate a message can email the trust at [email protected].
Additionally, a service will be held in the chapel at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Thursday, October 10, at 11:30 a.m. This 15-minute service will be led by chaplain Ruth Fitter and is open to everyone affected by baby loss. The trust’s bereavement team will also attend to support those who cannot be present.
In conjunction with the global Wave of Light event, people are invited to light a candle at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, and keep it burning for at least one hour in memory of all babies who have died. This event provides an opportunity for families worldwide to pause, reflect, and remember together.
Participants are encouraged to take photos of their candles and share them on Facebook or X with the hashtag #WaveOfLight.
To further mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, a small lighting ceremony will take place at the Rose Hill Community Centre in Oxford and on level 7 of the John Radcliffe Hospital.
You Might Be Interested In
