A picture of a mother holding a child's hand as they gracefully put a butterfly onto a flower.

Hospital to unveil Butterfly Garden for those affected by baby loss

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH) is set to officially open a Butterfly Garden, a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance for families who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby.

Taking place during Baby Loss Awareness Week, the opening ceremony is set for Wednesday, 9th October, following a two-year project to create a tranquil sanctuary for all in the hospital community.

The Butterfly Garden, fully funded by the hospital’s own QEHKL Charity, has been thoughtfully designed to offer a peaceful environment where families, staff, and visitors can find solace and connection.

It features hand-forged butterfly sculptures with some bearing the names of babies lovingly remembered by their families. This space will serve as a poignant reminder of the brief yet impactful lives that have touched many hearts.

Some of the families involved in the project visited the garden recently for a symbolic release of butterflies.

Hospital CEO Alice Webster expressed the importance of the garden ahead of its unveiling: “This garden is much more than just a physical space. It is a sanctuary – a place for peace, where anyone who has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a baby can come to find comfort and support.

“The Butterfly Garden stands as a lasting tribute to the lives of the babies we have lost and a testament to the strength and resilience of the families and our hospital community.”

The project has been a collaborative effort involving families, staff, and community partners, co-produced with specialist bereavement midwives from the Butterfly Suite, who provide essential care and support to families navigating baby loss.

The QEH (King’s Lynn) Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) has also played a crucial role in shaping the garden, ensuring it meets the needs of those who will use it.

Emily Lunny, Lead for the MNVP, said: “I am so privileged to have been involved in the creation of the garden. We have been able to bring service users voices to all design aspects from the species of butterfly to the specific shades of purple chosen.

“Whilst nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, the team at QEH have ensured we have the resources and facilities to best support women and families on this difficult journey.”

The creation of the Butterfly Garden would not have been possible without the generous support of the QEHKL Charity. Through the charity’s efforts – which relies on generous support from the public – the hospital is able to enhance its environment and provide meaningful improvements to enhance the experience of patients, families, and staff.

The hospital extends its gratitude to the estates and project teams for their hard work, and to Nigel Barnett of Fransham Forge, who crafted the exquisite butterfly sculptures and artwork featured throughout the garden. Special thanks are also due the Gavin Jones landscaping team, who have transformed the space into a tranquil garden of reflection.

The unveiling ceremony on 9th October will include performances by the King’s Lynn Rock Choir and will provide an opportunity for families and the hospital community to gather, reflect, and remember.

Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October)

On Sunday 13 October, the hospital is holding The 2024 SANDS Baby-Loss Memorial Service which is being held in the Scared Space from 3pm.  On Tuesday 15 October, as part of a Wave of Light which take place every year, the Trust’s Arthur Levin Day Surgery Unit will light up at 7pm in distinctive blue and pink colours.

The Wave of Light take place on the final day of Baby Loss Awareness Week every year as families around the world light candles and leave them burning from 7pm. The symbolic gesture aims to raise awareness and open a space for conversations around baby loss.

Ends.

Notes to editors;

If you would like to raise funds for good causes or help an appeal at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, please take a look at our website www.qehklcharity.co.uk. Alternatively, please email our Charity team at [email protected] or call 01553 613309.

Please click here to download the full press release pack.
For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, [email protected] or 01553 613216.

For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.


Posted on: October 4 2024    •    Posted in: Fundraising, Patient Care, QEH Hospital