MUSGROVE Park Hospital has thanked the local women who helped raise £12,000 to go toward the refurbishment of the Rowan Suite in the maternity department.

The Rowan Suite comprises two rooms which are solely available to women, partners and their families who have been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

This is dedicated space for women to receive the specialist care and time they need with their baby in a comfortable and homely environment.

When a baby passes away suddenly and unexpectedly the death is a terrible shock and can be one of the most distressing events that can ever happen in a couple’s life.

Maternity matron, Katy Evans, said: “The refurbishment of the Rowan Suite has been long awaited and has only been made possible through the generous donations of local women, families and our staff.

"The improvements to the Rowan Suite will make a huge difference to families who use the service at what can be the most devastating time in their lives.

"These families only have a short time with their baby, when they expected a lifetime. The redecorated rooms will ensure the environment for creating these precious memories is quiet, secure and homely”.

Since January local women have collectively raised over £12,000 through running marathons, decorating their streets with Christmas lights, organising cake sales, carol singing, along with larger schemes such as Arthurs Baubles (the sale of Baubles via Bath Glass).

“So many families have donated money to the Rowan Suite who we cannot thank enough. However, I would like to say a special thank you to the charity set up by Mel Scott, called Towards Tomorrow Together, which donated £3,500, and the charity set up by Alice Dolan and Richard Henson, Arthur’s Baubles, which donated over £5,500.

As bereaved parents, both Alice and Mel recognised how important it was to create as many memories as possible with your baby and the value that the Rowan Suite can bring in doing that.”