Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity (LWHC) is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous £10,000 grant from HSBC to support the refurbishment of a delivery room into a comforting, home-like environment for mothers delivering sleeping babies. This vital funding, secured with the support of Joanne Hornblower Local Director and Helen Lewis, Network Manager, will bring the charity one step closer to completing the Bereavement Suite Appeal, which aims to provide all families experiencing loss with a dignified and serene space.
Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust is the largest women’s hospital in Europe, delivering over 8,000 babies and handling numerous complex pregnancies each year. Sadly, the hospital also witnesses the heartbreaking reality of stillbirths and early pregnancy losses. The Bereavement Suite Appeal was launched to ensure that these grieving families have a dedicated, peaceful environment that allows them to spend precious moments with their baby.
Since 2022, LWHC has been actively raising funds to renovate bereavement rooms within the hospital. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our supporters, one delivery suite has already been transformed, and work is about to begin on a second room in the gynaecological ward. However, one delivery room remains unfinished, leaving many mothers without access to the same comforting space during their most difficult time.
The £10,000 grant from HSBC UK will directly contribute to the refurbishment of this final delivery room, ensuring it is equipped with homely comforts such as ambient lighting, comfortable seating, and essential amenities. The room will also feature a drop-down bed, allowing both parents to spend time with their baby in a setting that feels far removed from the clinical environment of the rest of the maternity department.
"This grant from HSBC UK is a significant milestone in our efforts to complete the Bereavement Suite Appeal. We are immensely grateful for their support, as well as for the dedication of Helen Lewis and Joanne Hornblower in securing this funding," said Kate Davis, Head of Fundraising at Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity. "This refurbishment will provide a tranquil and dignified space for families during their most challenging moments, helping to protect them from the painful encounters that can occur in a standard maternity setting."
Joanne & Helen added “We are honoured to have been part of this project. The Bereavement Suite Appeal holds a special place in our hearts. We hope this grant will inspire others to support Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity in their mission to provide exceptional care to every woman, baby, and family.”
Liverpool Women’s Hospital serves a community where a significant portion of the population faces socio-economic challenges, with 46% of women booking with the hospital coming from the lowest decile on the deprivation index. The completion of this final delivery room is crucial to ensuring that all families, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the compassionate care and environment they deserve.
With the additional funds raised, LWHC is now focused on securing the remaining £15,000 needed to complete the project by early 2025. The charity invites individuals, organisations, and community members to continue supporting this vital cause.
For more information about the Bereavement Suite Appeal and how you can help, please visit Bereavement Suite Appeal - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust