Every year, around 500 babies are cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) . As a Level 3 unit, we care for some of the earliest and sickest babies from across Yorkshire. We currently have no dedicated space for families facing the loss of their baby. There is nowhere private away from the noise of the unit to hold their baby, make memories, or grieve together. For these families, at the hardest moment of their lives, we want to support them in the way they deserve.

We will create a counselling room, reflection room and end-of-life suite. This large, ensuite room will have space for siblings and family to stay alongside parents, giving space, time and privacy. Instead of being transferred to a mortuary across the hospital, babies can remain close to their families until parents are ready to say goodbye. Families will also have access to a private garden to cherish the special moments of having a newborn, like a stroll in the pram under the stars.