The bereavement family room in the Women and Children’s Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital is to get a major make-over with the help of £1,600 donated by a family from Stirling and Alloa.
The fund-raising effort follows the stillbirth at almost eight months of Kevelia Precious Clark, whose Mum Gemmalee is pictured (second right) with other family members, presenting a cheque to NHS Forth Valley Bereavement Adviser Susan Milne.
Grandmother Lilias Clark, known throughout the family as Nana, said: “The hospital were really good with us and we thought we could raise funds for someone else who may have to go what Gemmalee went through. I started to collect all the prizes and we all mucked in. We decided to hold a bingo night and disco so the young ones could attend as well. Everyone was very generous.”
Gemmalee added: “It would be wonderful to have a more comfortable and modern bed in the room for relatives to stay.”
The project for what is currently known as the ‘Snowdrop Room’ will include faux-suede wipeable furniture to meet infection control standards, a sofa bed, comfy chairs and tea-making facilities.
NHS Forth Valley Bereavement Adviser Susan Milne explained: “I think it is really important for parents suffering tragic loss in pregnancy to be able to receive care in a comforting environment. Women often tell us what good care they have received in the Unit and we are keen to continue providing this, especially for families facing difficult circumstances.”
A cake sale in the Women and Children’s Unit has already raised more than £500 for the room refurbishment, and tickets for a Variety Night at Alloa Town Hall in March sold out within two days. The hospital are also hopeful of receiving contributions from a number of local charities.