The annual baby and child remembrance service will be held at Ormskirk hospital again this year on Wednesday 4 December at 6.30pm. This will be the fifth anniversary for the service, which is arranged and supported by chaplains from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. The chaplains hope to help families, who are remembering lost loved ones, in the weeks running up to Christmas.
Lead chaplain, Martin Abrams explains: “Christmas can be a very exciting and special time but it can also heighten a sense of loss, grief and isolation for those who have experienced any bereavement. This is particularly so for anyone who has had a pregnancy, baby or child loss.
“This service has become a much appreciated event, last year more than 70 people attended, many of whom, whether religious or not, told us how helpful they found it. We hope the short, informal service will be supportive to anyone who has suffered a child or baby loss, not just recently, but at any time in the past.
“The Salvation Army band will join us and, amongst other things, we will be writing the names of loved ones on baubles to hang from our Christmas tree. This year, our visitors will also have an opportunity to take a bauble home with their loved ones name on, so they can hang it on their own Christmas tree too. One of our staff also makes candles to take home as a keepsake.”
Martin concludes “We know some people appreciate coming every year, and some many years after a loss. Anyone who would find it helpful is welcome to come”.
The event will start with refreshments in the main entrance at Ormskirk hospital entrance at 6pm and the service will begin at 6.30pm, lasting for about 30 minutes, in the recently refurbished Baby Garden. The garden can be found off the main corridor, opposite the small shop.
Trees of Remembrance, for children and adults, will also be available in the prayer and quiet rooms at both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals during December. Visitors will be welcome to write the name or names of loved ones, of any age, on a decoration and hang it from the tree.
For more information please contact Martin or Jan on 01704 704639 or email soh-tr.chaplains@nhs.net.
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