Bereavement Support Services
We are sorry that your pregnancy has ended. Experiencing the death of a baby, no matter how early, is incredibly difficult for parents and families. We understand and appreciate that the length of your pregnancy has no relation to the depth of the grief you may feel and we would like to sympathise with you at this difficult time.
This page is designed to guide you at this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Bereavement Team at any point should you feel that you would benefit from added support.
We would like to acknowledge that at times while we may use words or language that may feel cold or medicalised, while we appreciate it may be difficult to read we hope that it will clarify questions you may have.
At PUH we have a team dedicated to the delivery of compassionate care and support of families during this challenging time. Our commitment to providing the best possible care and support is guided by the National Standards.
Within PUH we have created a number of private and respectful spaces in the hospital specifically for families dealing with loss. We will continue to strive for the best possible care options to be available to our families and we appreciate any feedback you can give us to ensure that we can continue to improve these services, which can be submitted here or for more forms of submitting feed back click here.
Bereavement Symbol
We use the bereavement symbol, which was developed by the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme.
It lets staff know that the woman/family in the room has suffered a recent bereavement. On seeing the symbol staff are quiet and respectful and are prepared to meet people who are grieving.
The symbol is inspired by ancient Irish history and is non-denominational. The three stranded white spiral represents the interconnected cycle of life – birth, life and death. The white outer circle represents continuity, infinity and completion.
Leanne, Bereavement Support Midwife
I provide support to women and families who experience loss at any stage of their pregnancy and after delivery. I work closely with the rest of the berevement team to ensure you get individualised care, specific to your needs. I hope to help you take some positive memories away from an experience that can be incredibly difficult and traumatic.
Contact Number and Times:
090 962 5147 or 087 995 1993
From 08:00 a.m. - 15:00 p.m.
Pastoral Care Team
A member of the Pastoral Care Team offers to meet with all parents following your loss to offer a compassionate presence and emotional and spiritual support. We will listen to you We offer a ritual of remembrance after your loss, this may include a blessing or naming service. We can arrange for Ministers of other faith traditions at your request.
Contact Number and Times:
090 964 8275
Early Pregnancy Unit
Working in EPU, we are often one of the first point of contact for anyone experiencing a new diagnosis of miscarriage or pregnancy loss. We will do our best to support you in those early days as you navigate and process this unexpected news.
Contact Number and Times:
090 962 4502
Marie, Medical Social Worker
As part of the Maternity and Antenatal team in PUH I am available to offer bereavement support and counselling to families experiencing pregnancy or baby loss. I am available to meet with you while attending for Maternity / Antenatal Care Services in PUH, to speak with you by phone or to offer you a follow up appointment
Contact Number and Times:
090 962 5153
Remembrance Service
Portiuncula University Hospital holds a Service of Remembrance on the 2nd Monday in February in the Chapel in the hospital.
This is a non-denominational service and all who have experienced the loss of a baby, no matter how long ago, are more than welcome to attend.
No matter how long ago your baby died or at what stage of your pregnancy or after birth your baby died, you are very welcome to attend the service.
Book of Remembrance
If you wish, you are welcome to add your baby’s name to the Portiuncula Hospital Book of Remembrance. This book will remain within the hospital and is presented during our annual remembrance service.
Pregnancy Loss Clinic
PUH’s Pregnancy Loss Clinic operates every second Wednesday. This clinic is for patients who were cared for during their pregnancy in PUH and who meet certain criteria for investigation of their pregnancy loss.
It is led by Dr. Yvonne O’Brien, Obstetric Consultant and attended by Leanne Norton, Bereavement Midwife.
The Clinic is held in the Private Consultant Rooms, away from the main OPD. To find it, come to the back of the hospital opposite the main car park, walk past the OPD entry into Private Consultant Rooms, take a right and an immediate right again. The clinic is in Area D.
You are welcome to bring a partner or other support person to the appointment with you.
At times, a senior Specialist Registrar may be in attendance also to assist or your consent may be sought for a student Midwife or Medical Student to be present as this is a teaching hospital.
The purpose of the clinic is to discuss you pregnancy loss and other medical or obstetric history. We can then look at investigations which may be necessary or of benefit to your circumstance. These may include a number of blood tests, Ultrasound Scans or onward referrals. We can discuss future pregnancy plans and if there is appropriate treatment available to you. Sometimes we will arrange a follow up clinic appointment if necessary.
As you can appreciate, appointments for our PLC are limited and the wait for an appointment is unfortunately quite long. We would be very grateful if you have an appointment that you cannot attend or need to be rescheduled that you make contact with
Paula on 090 962 4646, or Leanne on 087 995 1993,
Thank You.
Contact Details
ED Department: 090 964 8253
Maternity Ward: 090 964 8233
Labour Ward: 090 964 8250
Early Pregnancy Unit: 090 962 4502
Samaritans: 116 123
Bereavement Midwife: 090 962 5147 or 087 995 1993
Pastoral Care: 090 964 8275
Social Worker: 090 962 5153
Lactation Consultant: 090 962 4619
Additional Support and External Links
Please follow the links or click the icons to access further information on the services provided by these organisations and to view their information booklets.
