Bereavement Suites

Lady Astor of Hever, Patron of charity Abigail’s Footsteps, officially opened the maternity bereavement suite Abigail’s Place at Medway Maritime Hospital, on Tuesday 1st November 2016.

Abigail’s Footsteps funded the major project and marks the end of a successful partnership with local construction firm CEC Developments Limited and other local businesses. The Countess of Wessex visited the bereavement suite on 19th April 2017, along with charity Vice President Cheryl Baker.

In April 2016 construction work began on the bereavement suite at Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent.

Vice President Cheryl Baker raised over £30k and many local companies also supported the project.

Abigail’s Place was opened on 1st November 2016 by Lady Astor of Hever, patron of Abigail’s Footsteps.

HRH the Countess of Wessex GCVO visited Abigail’s Place on 19th April 2017, with David and Jo Ward.

Other Suites

Other hospitals we’ve been able to support getting a bereavement suite; these units will provide a space where bereaved families can stay within the hospital, to spend time with their babies away from the main maternity ward, but with healthcare professionals close by.

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton

Working alongside Oscar’s Wish Foundation and Novus Property Solutions, bereavement suite completed in 2018.

William Harvey Hospital, Ashford

Working alongside Twinkling Stars and Sands, the bereavement suite completed in 2018.

Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford

The newly refurbished ‘Blossom Room’ at Darent Valley Hospital was opened in 2025 with help from donations from families supported by the charity and Ebbsfleet Lions.

The Abi Cot looks beautiful and is very easy to use for maternity staff, and it is very easy to move around the room. It has become a vital piece of equipment for our unit and we are so grateful to be able to offer parents precious time and space to be with their babies.

Claire Litchfield

Lead Midwife for Pregnancy Loss, Wexham Park Hospital

The new bereavement suite will provide a place of solace and comfort for parents, where they can spend those precious last few moments with their child.

Diana Hamilton-Fairley

Medical Director at Medway NHS Foundation Trust

The Abi Cooling Cot is playing a very important part in the bereavement service that we strive to provide and enables parents to spend more time with their baby which is priceless at this difficult time. We are extremely grateful for the generous contributions from our donors.

Jo Morgan

Labour Ward Co-ordinator, North Devon Hospital

If your hospital is considering building a bereavement suite and would like our support, either with funding, or with advice and guidance, we would be more than happy to be involved. Contact us if you would like our help.

For Friends and Family

Explore

Support for Parents

Explore

Fundraising Events

Explore