Three teams from Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which operates Kings Mill Hospital in Sutton-in Ashfield, have been recognised for their work with patients whose babies have died. The teams were jointly awarded the “Bereavement Team of the Year” accolade at the Mariposa Ball at London’s Landmark Hotel last weekend.
The Mariposa Ball is a major fundraising event for the Mariposa Trust, which supports and services anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. Its name is derived from the Spanish word for butterfly.
The “Bereavement Team of the Year” Award was given to Sherwood Forest Hospitals early pregnancy unit (EPU), ward 14, and chaplaincy team. They had been jointly nominated by a patient who had experienced three early pregnancy losses.
“Colleagues from across all three teams all played a vital role in supporting the patient and her husband through this and continue to do so as they navigate the difficult journey they are on to become parents”, the Trust said in a statement. “Teams at the Trust ensure they work closely together to support families through loss. Patients are listened to and given the time they need and have access to local support services.
“Support continues after loss with follow-up phone calls and dedicated Rainbow clinics for families that have suffered multiple baby losses. Families are provided with personalised memory boxes that include teddy bears, photos, footprints, and handprints that they can take home with them.”
The Mariposa Awards recognise medical professionals and others who make a real difference to the lives of people who have lost a baby.
“We are so incredibly grateful that our services have been recognised with this award and honour”, Kathryn Nuttall, matron for women’s health at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said. “Our thanks mostly go to the courageous patient who bravely shared her experiences and nominated all three areas that have been part of her journey.
“Thanks go to all the ward 14, EPU, and chaplaincy teams, who all contribute day in and day out, providing care, comfort, and light during some very dark times.
“We are excited to continue networking and engaging with trusts outside our locality to share our good practice but also to continue moving forward to ensure all those affected by baby loss have the support they want, need, and deserve.”
Help for people who have experienced the loss of a baby – at any stage of pregnancy, birth or infancy – can find help from Saying Goodbye, one of the divisions of the Mariposa Trust. Information can be found on their website: sayinggoodbye.org.
