Download and print as a PDF (180kB pdf)
Losing a baby can be one of the hardest of life’s experiences. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Parents often tell us that they feel a sense of disbelief, anger and hurt, as well as a mixture of so many other feelings. You may have many questions at this time; this leaflet aims to answer some of them.
How can we remember our baby?
Book of Remembrance
You may like to have your baby’s name written in the Book of Remembrance. There is one in the chapel at the Princess Royal Hospital and one in the chapel at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Please ask a member of staff about how to make an entry, or contact the chaplaincy office at the hospital. There is no charge for making an entry. You do not have to be a churchgoer to have your baby’s name written in the Book of Remembrance, it is there for everyone.
Annual Memorial Service
There is also a memorial service held every year, usually in the winter, for families to remember their babies who have died. You will be sent information about this nearer the time, unless you ask us not to do this. Many families find it helpful to come and some families come every year. However you do not have to attend.
What arrangements will the hospital make on our behalf?
The hospital will arrange for your baby to be cremated at the local crematorium. This would take place as soon as is practicable and will most probably be together with other pregnancy losses. The hospital will arrange the cremation with the hospital’s contracted Funeral Directors. There is no formal ceremony at the crematorium for you or others to attend and no ashes to collect.
Can we make our own private arrangements?
There are some undertakers who will conduct individual funerals in regard to a pregnancy loss under 12 weeks. You will need to make your own arrangements privately with a funeral director. The Bereavement Office have contact details for these.
You will need to contact the Morturary Department within 30 days of signing the P1 form. If we have not heard from either you or your funeral director by then, the hospital will arrange a cremation.
Contact Numbers
Bereavement Offices
Royal Sussex County Hospital
01273 696955
Ext. 64611
Princess Royal Hospital
01444 441881
Ext. 68101
Mortuary Department
Royal Sussex County Hospital
01273 696955
Ext. 64144
Chaplaincy
Princess Royal Hospital
01444 441881
Ext. 68232
Royal Sussex County Hospital
01273 696955
Ext. 64122
Midwifery and Neonatal Care Centre Counsellor
Royal Sussex County Hospital
01273 381210
Just Friends Support Group
01273 696955
Ext. 4373/4
Local and national support
ARC – Antenatal Results & Choices Helpline
Telephone
0845 0772290
Counsellor, Morley Street
Telephone
01273 242091
Miscarriage Association
Telephone
01924 200799
Alternatives pregnancy choices and loss support
Appointments
01273 207010
- BSUH NHS TRUST(2011) GP001 Early Pregnancy Unit Clinical Guidelines.
- Patient UK Information leaflets, Women’s Health Category.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- National institute for Heath and Clinical Excellence. Clinical Guidelines. Nice Pathways
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.