Queen Elizabeth Hospital Maternity Bereavement Suite
A new maternity bereavement suite offering a dedicated space to support parents who have experienced the loss of their baby.
The Butterfly Suite at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kings Lynn offers a dedicated space to support parents who have experienced the loss of their baby, either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
The quiet and private area will enable parents to create precious memories with their baby, or grieve their loss, in a safe and comfortable environment. The suite comprises of a living area, kitchenette, bedroom, nursery, and en-suite, all in a dedicated space as far away from the labour ward as possible, whilst still remaining in the department to allow immediate response and care from staff.
The aim was for the suite to be designed to allow the clinical elements to disappear into the background as much as possible. A bespoke folding bed allows for medical equipment and supplies to be hidden away when not in use so that a more homely aesthetic could take precedent.
Wherever possible we have introduced natural finishes, and opted to bring in more colour, including artwork inspired by nature on feature walls. The project required coordination of acute medical services around new steel framing required to support a concrete roof.
Client testimonial
“The Butterfly Suite will make a positive difference to the experience of our patients and their families who are going through their most difficult time. We know that from feedback from our patients that this space is very much needed.”
Professor Steve Barnett QEH Chairman
“Losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy can be a traumatic experience so to be able to offer families the use of The Butterfly Suite is vitally important. They can make precious memories and begin to grieve their loss.”
Amanda Price-Davey Head of Midwifery, QEH