The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is holding a Service of Remembrance in memory of all babies and children who have died following miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or infant death on Sunday 16 October 2016.
The annual commemorative service will take place at 3.00pm in the Large Lecture Theatre at the MDEC, Trust Headquarters, Altnagelvin Hospital.
The service is being organised by the Neonatal Department and the Chaplaincy Team at the hospital and anyone who has been bereaved through the death of a baby or child is invited to attend and to take time out to reflect and to remember.
Speaking in advance of the service Western Trust Acting Head of Maternity and Gynae Services, Maureen Miller said: “A memorial service can be a real source of comfort to families, including those whose babies died many years ago.
"Having somewhere where they can remember and acknowledge their baby or babies can be very important.
“Parents are invited if they wish, to bring a flower in memory of their child to lay during the service and these flowers will be taken after the service to Ballyoan Cemetery. The Sands Books of Remembrance from Altnagelvin Hospital will be on display and inscription cards will be available if parents wish to have their baby or child’s name included in the book.
“The service has always been well attended in the past by parents, families and friends from throughout the Western area, as well as by hospital staff. Everyone will be made feel most welcome.”
Refreshments will be served afterwards and there will be an opportunity to talk with other bereaved families, with nursing and midwifery staff and with the chaplaincy team.
For further information contact the Neonatal Department, Altnagelvin Hospital on (028) 7134 5171, extension 216116.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.
