Forever Stars launches campaign to support families after miscarriage

Forever Stars wants to improve facilities on Ward A23 to better support families experiencing miscarriage

A baby loss charity wants to revamp a hospital ward to help it better support the emotional needs of families experiencing miscarriage.

Ward A23 at the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), in Nottingham, provides care and support to about 10 families suffering baby loss every day.

Forever Stars wants to transform treatment areas and create an outdoor sanctuary for families.

The work is part of the charity's Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024 campaign.

Forever Stars was founded by Michelle and Richard Daniels following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily in December 2013.

It has funded dedicated bereavement suites at both the QMC and Nottingham City Hospital to support parents affected by stillbirth.

The charity now wants to support those affected by miscarriage, something Forever Stars says happens in one of four pregnancies.

'A better environment'

"A23 has a fantastic team that supports families with baby loss," Mr Daniels said.

"However, the limited funding allocated to A23 primarily caters for essential medical support, leaving the surroundings in need of attention.

"A23 is a busy area, often with the feeling of an A&E ward due to the nature of the activities on the ward.

"We really want to create a better environment for families whilst they wait for treatment or a consultation, at what is a very difficult and scary time."

The charity has already started work to transform two treatment rooms to create spaces that support families emotionally as well as clinically.

It also wants to renovate a garden area adjoining the ward to create "a sanctuary where families can retreat to try to deal with the weight of their loss".

Ward matron Lucy Groves said: "We are an area that sees a lot of sadness and we want to do what we can to make our ward a more positive place for our patients.

"There is no bereavement area or 'serenity' suite - these women deliver in a clinical environment."

Forever Stars has pledged to raise £50,000 to support the project and is appealing for donations of both items and time to help complete the work.