Port Macquarie Base Hospital says it provides a number of ways to help support families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or birth.
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The hospital’s general manager Jane Evans, said the Mid North Coast Local Health District acknowledges that the loss of a baby during pregnancy or birth is an extremely difficult and emotional experience for parents and families.
Ms Evans was responding to a question from the Port Macquarie News after the publication of a letter calling on the hospital to provide a so-called grieving room.
Ms Evans said staff discuss all options available to families.
“Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) offers a variety of mechanisms to support families who are experiencing loss in pregnancy and birth,” the hospital general manager said.
“Care is tailored to meet the individual needs of each woman and her family.
“Women who have experienced loss in pregnancy or birth usually remain under the care of midwifery staff in the maternity unit to ensure they receive appropriate postnatal support.
“Families who are experiencing loss in pregnancy and birth are always provided with a private room within the maternity unit.”
Ms Evans said a discreet sign is placed on the door of the room to communicate with staff regarding the family’s loss.
The maternity unit at PMBH employs a midwife five days per week whose specialty is caring for families who are experiencing loss in pregnancy and birth, she said.
“A range of resources and support services are available to families to support them in their grief, including a special cot, access to a social worker and hospital chaplain, arrangement of special mementos such as baby photographs or hand and foot prints, and referral to other support services and organisations where desired and appropriate.”
PMBH has a hospital chaplain who provides spiritual support to all patients and families when requested. The hospital is happy to support other religious advisors/support people coming into the hospital if requested, the general manager added.