Easter Ross campaigner backs SiMBA family rooms plan for Raigmore Hospital
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A YOUNG mum whose baby was stillborn is asking people to give generously to a campaign for Raigmore Hospital.
Charlie Vass (31), from Alness, is backing the SiMBA family room appeal which hopes to raise £85,000 to refit five rooms at the hospital.
When Ms Vass and her partner Ross Gordon lost their baby Amelia Lily Gordon on June 27 last year, they were grateful for the care they received.
Thanks to hospital staff, the couple were able to spend 13-and-a-half hours with their daughter, who was stillborn at only 20 weeks.
Ms Vass, who has gone on to raise more than £7000 for innovative cuddle cots, is now backing a campaign to see even more improvements at the hospital. It has already raised £14,145.09 towards the five rooms.
Ms Vass said: “Last year in June myself and partner James used the family room at Raigmore Hospital where I gave birth to our daughter at 20 weeks.
“We could hear noise from outside the room such as other babies crying. This is very distressing when you have suffered a loss. The new family rooms will be very private and sound reducing, which I believe would eliminate some of the stress that comes from hearing this.
“The new area will also be more private which I think is necessary as at the moment in order to access the rooms, you currently have to pass other babies on the ward. I think privacy to come and go from the room will be easier for families that are going through a loss.”
The plans are some of the most ambitious ever launched by SiMBA.
A spokeswoman for SiMBA said: “Our family room project at Raigmore is an extensive project, covering five rooms in different wards, as we aim to support anyone who loses a baby at any stage of pregnancy or close to the time of birth.
“SiMBA family rooms within maternity and neonatal units offer bereaved parents the opportunity to spend the most precious time with their baby in a peaceful and private setting, a place where precious memories can be made and photos taken. A place where siblings, family members and friends can also visit and meet baby. A place where you can spend time together, that can never be replaced, in the most perfect of surroundings.
“We cannot change what has happened, but we can transform hospital rooms into a beautiful space, that offers sanctuary to parents.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/SiMBARaigmoreFamilyRoomProject to support the campaign.
Easter Ross couple's big-hearted gesture after family tragedy
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