Service for little angels’ loved onesat hospital

The annual commemorative service will take place in the Large Lecture Theatre at the MDEC, Altnagelvin Area Hospital at 3pm.

The service is being organised by the Neonatal Department at Altnagelvin and the Chaplaincy team as a tribute to the babies and children that have died and to their parents, entire family circle and friends. It is an interdenominational service and will feature prayer, reflection and song.

The Service of Remembrance provides an opportunity for parents and families to talk to others who have also lost a baby. It also gives them the chance to reconnect with hospital staff who may have shared in that experience.

Parents are invited if they wish, to bring a flower in memory of their children to the service and these flowers will be taken after the service to be placed in Ballyoan Cemetery. The Sands Books of Remembrance from Altnagelvin Hospital will be on display and inscription cards will be available if parents wish to have their baby or child’s name included in the book.

Speaking in advance of the service Western Trust Head of Midwifery, Anne Marie McGurk said: “A memorial service can be a real source of comfort to families, including those whose babies died many years ago. Having somewhere where they can remember and acknowledge their baby or babies can be very important.

“The service has always been well attended in the past by parents, families and friends from throughout the Western area, as well as by hospital staff. Everyone will be made feel most welcome.”

There will be light refreshments served after the service.