A newly refurbished quiet space has opened at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) to allow parents who experience baby loss access to speak to medical teams away from the hustle and bustle of the maternity unit.
The Garden Room has been designed to be a private, comforting, and supportive environment where families can take the time they need to start to process any unexpected news following an appointment or scan.
QEUH said that, previously, the only space available for parents to use was only accessible by going back through the maternity ward, whilst the new facility has a separate entrance.
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity managed the refurbishment of the room, with £10,000 in funding support from the HFD Charitable Foundation. Designers focused on colour, comfortable seating and soft furnishings to create a warm and peaceful atmosphere, aiming to make it feel less like a clinical setting.
William McGowan, head of partnerships and business development at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said, “Providing a serene, safe space for couples going through a bereavement is just one element of the compassionate care that the hospital provides and it is great to be able to refresh the space and make it better suited for its purpose. We have a long-standing relationship with the HFD Charitable Foundation and we are thankful for the continued support.”
Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, added, “We’re proud to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity with the refurbishment of the Garden Room, offering essential comfort to families during exceptionally challenging times. The foundation was established to support good causes in the communities HFD operates in and this is a charity close to the hearts of our employees.”
