Apology over plans to relocate Durham hospital memorial garden

The Little Angels site at University Hospital of North Durham has provided a safe space for families to remember their loved ones but will relocate elsewhere later this year. 

The proposal initially caused controversy among some families who have plaques in memory of their loved ones in the garden. But after several meetings with those affected in January, County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust said it’s committed to working with families about how the relocation can be managed in the most empathetic way. 

Health officials say the relocation is needed to support proposals to expand the hospital’s emergency department as it currently struggles to manage increasing demand. 

Jo Crawford, head of midwifery at the trust, said: “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. 

“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.”

The trust is hosting a series of public events later this month to share proposed designs for the relocated garden within the grounds of the hospital. It has also commissioned designers to work on plans for the new garden based on previous engagement work and the views shared by the families involved.

Families who wish to remove their plaque from the garden can do so with the help of a joiner on April 3 and 4. 

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Public events take place on: 

Monday, March 27 at 5pm – 6pm (UHND restaurant)

Thursday, March 29 at 12.00pm – 1pm (UHND boardroom)

Friday, March 31 at 12.30pm – 1.30pm (virtual event)

Register a place, in advance, by contacting the trust’s Patient Experience Manager, Paula Brennan on: paulabrennan@nhs.net.