Baby memorial service at North Manchester General Hospital

The Baby Memorial Service offers families the chance to reflect on their loss

Families who have lost a baby in pregnancy, through stillbirth, or shortly after birth, are invited to a special service of remembrance at North Manchester General Hospital on Wednesday 1 May 2019 at 7pm.

The service will be held in North Manchester General Hospital’s Post-graduate Education Centre (off Delaunays Road) at 7pm and will last 45 minutes. The service is open to people of all faiths and beliefs.

Refreshments will be provided afterwards for anyone who wants to stay and have a chat with others who have experienced the loss of a child. 

There will also be the opportunity to meet with members of the hospital's local support group, who can help the bereaved with on-going support. 

The Baby Memorial Service is an annual event in the hospital’s calendar and offers families the chance to reflect on their loss and remember all the babies who have died.

Rev Ian Inglis, chaplaincy co-ordinator at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “At the baby memorial service we will be lighting candles, offering names, playing contemplative music, and there will be readings from nurses, midwives and others. Those who attend are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish.

“It can sometimes feel like the world moves on too quickly with the loss of a baby. Our service gives parents time and space, and the ‘permission,’ to reflect on their memories and grieve. The service provides a gentle and relaxed atmosphere, alongside other families who have experienced the same tragic loss.”

Anyone who would like further details on the memorial service should contact Rev Inglis on 0161 720 2990 or email ian.inglis@pat.nhs.uk.