Sherwood Forest Hospitals Early Pregnancy Unit, Ward 14 and the Chaplaincy team awarded — Bereavement Team of the Year — at the Mariposa Awards 2024.

A patient who experienced three early pregnancy losses nominated three medical teams for the Mariposa Awards 2024.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Early Pregnancy Unit, Ward 14 and the Chaplaincy team were awarded — Bereavement Team of the Year.

The Mariposa Awards recognise medical professionals and others who make a real difference to the lives of people who have lost a baby.

Sherwood Forest Hospital colleagues at the Mariposa Awards

Colleagues from across all three teams played a vital role in supporting the patient and her husband through the pregnancy losses and continue to do so through the journey they are on to become parents.

Kathryn Nuttall, matron for Women’s Health at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “We are so incredibly grateful that our services have been recognised with this award and honour.

“Our thanks mostly go to the courageous patient who bravely shared her experiences and nominated all three areas that have been part of her journey.

“Thanks go to all the Ward 14, EPU, and Chaplaincy teams, who all contribute day in and day out, providing care, comfort, and light during some very dark times.

“We are excited to continue networking and engaging with Trusts outside our locality to share our good practice but also to continue moving forward to ensure all those affected by baby loss have the support they want, need, and deserve.”

Teams at the Trust ensure they work closely together to support families through loss.

Patients are listened to and given the time they need and have access to local support services.

Support continues after loss with follow-up phone calls and dedicated Rainbow clinics for families that have suffered multiple baby losses.

Families are provided with personalised memory boxes that include teddy bears, photos, footprints, and handprints that they can take home with them.