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Maternity

When our maternity services move from Poole to Bournemouth’s new BEACH Building, we have the opportunity to fund the extra special items that are above and beyond NHS funds. 

We are raising funds to equip the maternity wards with items such as calming lighting and reclining chairs to enhance the sensory environment & comfort for expecting parents with babies born at the BEACH Building. We are also raising funds to create two specialist bereavement suites to provide comfort and support for families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of their baby. 

Your support will help us ensure every baby gets the best possible start in life…. 

image of a dad holding his newborn baby at University Hospitals Dorset's St Marys Maternity Unit

The creation of a calm relaxing environment can not only help labour to progress more naturally and effectively, but it can also reduce the risk of complications. With your support, we can fund items such as:

Blanket Warmers: Helps keep every baby warm and comfortable, reducing the risk of birth-related breathing issues and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions.

Reclining Chairs: Offers a comfortable space for partners and family members to support the birthing person during labour, delivery, and after the baby’s arrival.

Ambient Subdued Lighting: Creates a relaxing atmosphere that supports labour progression, lowers the risk of complications, and enhances bonding and breastfeeding.

Funded by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, the SPRING service has provided support to parents and relatives who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at, or just after birth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth and termination for foetal abnormality. SPRING supports parents and relatives through grief at the point of loss, delivery and beyond. 

The two dedicated SPRING bereavement suites will be moving to the new BEACH Building, providing a private space away from the main labour wards. As part of The BEACH Appeal, we are raising funds to provide thoughtful touches within the bereavement suites to make the rooms a little more tranquil and as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. 

maternity photo cut

Christine Smith, Senior Maternity Matron  

The SPRING Suites in maternity are a much-needed space for families experiencing baby loss. We look after families and their babies when there is sadness and loss instead of happiness. The area is close to our clinical areas enabling safe care whilst maintaining a calm space supporting families to make precious memories at a time of great sadness.

Will you help support our maternity patients today?