Chesterfield Royal Hospital to host Annual Service of Remembrance
Parents who have lost children will have the chance to pay their respects as the Chesterfield Royal Hospital holds its annual service of remembrance.
The event will be held at the Barcelona Suit at the Casa Hotel on its usual date of the Sunday after Easter which, this year, falls on April 28th. The service is designed to be inclusive and is part of the ongoing support that the Trust provides to families that have lost babies and children through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness or accident.
The service has been running each year since the early 90s and is organised and led by the Chesterfield Birth Centre co-ordinators, paediatrics, the neonatal unit, women’s health unit and the hospital’s lay-preacher.
Tracy Barker is the Senior Matron for Hospital Based Children’s Services, she said: “We get a lot parents who come every year and many have told us that it’s a very important part of the grieving process. It gives families an opportunity to join others who have experienced similar circumstances which can be a great comfort. It is tremendously well attended and we see a lot of familiar faces each year as well as some new ones.”
The afternoon will include readings, songs and the recital of the names of their baby or child to enable parents to light a candle if they wish and each family will be able to write a message in the book of remembrance.
The event used to be held outside at the Royal but the move to Casa has been a success, Tracy added: “We recognise that for some people it was very difficult coming back to the hospital which may have been the place where they experienced loss, whilst for others it could be a cathartic experience. By holding it elsewhere we can provide a neutral environment to go along with the inclusive service that provides that same level of comfort and support but without exposing everyone to the unpredictable British weather. It can be an emotional occasion but to have so many people there who have gone through similar experiences makes them realise that they aren’t alone.”
“We would like to welcome everyone, no matter what the circumstances of your loss or the age of your child. This is an occasion for you to remember, commemorate and talk about your experience with people who can help”
The service, that will be led by the volunteer chaplaincy service, starts at 3pm in the Barcelona Suite at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield and there will be plenty of parking for those coming by car. There will be a play therapist with a craft table to keep children active whilst the service, plenty of parking in the Casa car park and it is open to everyone, allowing families and friends to come along.
