Commemorating Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 at OUH

Trees of remembrance for bereaved families to display commemorative messages have been put up in areas at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (BLAW, 9 - 15 October).

The annual awareness week, now in its 22nd year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families, and friends to commemorate babies' lives, and to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby loss.

Remembrance trees offer bereaved parents the opportunity to honour their baby in a simple, quiet way, and will effectively 'grow' as leaves are added.

Trees are located:

- On the Gynaecology Ward, Neonatal Unit, and Level 7 of the Women’s Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital

- At the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) in Rose Hill

- Horton General Hospital MLU

Messages can also be displayed on the trellis in the Bereavement Garden at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Paula Gallacher, Bereavement Specialist Midwife at the Trust, said: "Baby Loss Awareness Week is a chance for those affected by baby loss and their families and friends to unite and speak with others to commemorate these lost lives.

"It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues surrounding baby loss and what charities and other organisations are doing to provide support.

"The remembrance trees and messages enable women and their families to express a private and public declaration in memory of their babies. It is a beautiful symbol of remembrance and sometimes shared actions, such as placing a leaf on the tree, can say more and be more meaningful than words."

Please email your dedications to bereavementmidwives@ouh.nhs.uk

There will also be a service in the Chapel at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Thursday 10 October at 11.30am.  The 15-minute service will be hosted by our Chaplain Ruth Fitter, and it will be open to everyone affected by baby loss. The Bereavement Team will attend the service and will be available to families on request to support anyone who cannot attend.

As part of a global Wave of Light event, people are encouraged to light a candle at 7pm on Tuesday 15 October and leave it burning for at least 1 hour to join us in remembering all babies who have died too soon. This is an opportunity to join other families across the world to pause, reflect and remember. People can get involved by taking a photo of candles and posting on Facebook or X (Twitter) using #WaveOfLight.

Many buildings and landmarks around the country are lit up pink and blue during BLAW. This year, there will be a small light up at the Rose Hill community centre in Oxford, and on Level 7 of the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Paula added: "We support our families as best we can and we hope that these events will spark conversations about baby loss, and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies."

Support available for families