Invite to special remembrance service

Families who have faced either stillbirth or losing their babies shortly after birth are being invited to a special service of remembrance at Rochdale Infirmary.

The service, arranged by hospital midwives in conjunction with the chaplaincy, is now in its fifth year and will be taking place at 7pm on Thursday, 4 March. It will include prayers, poems, hymns and the lighting of candles in remembrance, with a chance to remember all the babies by name who have died.

The idea for the service originally came from midwife Linda Smith, and was developed with the help of infirmary chaplain Rev Bernice Woodhead.

Rev Woodhead said: “Within society today, stillbirth and neo-natal deaths are certainly still very much sensitive subjects. The remembrance service will offer Rochdale families a chance to come together and remember their babies in a sympathetic and understanding environment. Everyone is welcome to attend and people can light a candle in remembrance of the baby they have lost.”

Ms Smith said: “Many people who have attended previous services have certainly felt that they have had a sense of assuagement from the event. One family who lost their baby over 50 years ago said that the service helped them to bring a sense of closure to the sad circumstances.”

A representative from the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society will be present along with a hospital chaplain. Refreshments will also be available after the service.