Durham memorial garden relocation: Trust appeals to bereaved families

Little Angels Garden of Remembrance at the University Hospital of North Durham site is set to be moved to the 'woodland walk' area of the hosiptal site, to make way for an extension of the A&E department.

Since 1997, around 540 plaques have been placed in the garden in memory of babies who have died in the hospital, with many families choosing to spread their infants' ashes over the ground. 

There has been public outcry over the proposed moves, with bereaved families feeling as though a relocated garden would not be as "special or scared".

However, the Trust has vowed that all relocation will be done by specialist contractors and under the consultation of an undertaker and that the new garden will be accessible, well-lit, secure, and peaceful. 

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust has confirmed that they are planning to begin the relocation "towards the end of February", though no final date has been set

Read more: University Hospital of North Durham baby memorial garden to be moved

Jo Crawford, head of midwifery at the Trust explains, “Our plans for a much-needed expansion of the emergency department at University Hospital of North Durham involve building an extension to the front of the existing department which will enhance the care and experience our patients receive.  

“The current department is now managing more than double the number of patients it was built to care for on an annual basis.  We are very limited for space on the existing site and the extension plans have been carefully considered.

“Unfortunately, the garden of remembrance for babies who have died is currently located within the affected area and we have therefore had to make the difficult decision to relocate the garden to allow for the expansion plans.  We fully appreciate and recognise that this is a very sensitive project and are committed to working together with local families and our local communities. 

“We understand that moving the garden may be distressing for some families as we know it brings comfort to many of those who have experienced the devastation of losing a baby. There are plaques dedicated to individual babies that have been put up in the existing garden over the years and we intend to move these to the new garden and we are also discussing transferring a significant amount of topsoil, as we know some families have scattered ashes in the garden.

Read more: Extension of Durham hospital's A&E approved to cope with demand

“While we have identified a space for the garden to be relocated, plans are not finalised.  In recent weeks, we have met with affected families and are grateful to them for meeting with us and for the chance to listen to and involve them in creating a new space where many can continue to find comfort in remembering their little ones.

“If anyone wishes to know more about the garden or share views then please contact Paula Brennan, our patient experience manager on paulabrennan@nhs.net or 0800 783 5774.”

There is more information about the engagement events, including a further event on Friday February 10 at 12 pm, and some of the themes and views emerging from the families to date on the trust’s website: County Durham and Darlington - Update on plans to move the baby memorial garden at University Hospital of North Durham (cddft.nhs.uk)

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