Donation will help to pay for family room makeover
The bereavement family room in the Women and Children’s Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital is to get a major makeover with the help of £1,600 donated by a family from Stirling and Alloa.
The fundraising effort follows the stillbirth at almost eight months of Kevelia Precious Clark, whose mum Gemmalee joined other family members recently to present a cheque to NHS Forth Valley bereavement adviser Susan Milne.
Grandmother Lilias Clark said: “The hospital were really good with us and we thought we could raise funds for someone else who may have to go what Gemmalee went through.
“I started to collect the prizes and we all mucked in.
“We decided to hold a bingo night and disco so the young ones could attend as well. Everyone was very generous.”
Gemmalee added:“It would be wonderful to have a more comfortable and modern bed in the room for relatives to stay.”
The project for what is currently known as the‘Snowdrop Room’will include faux-suede wipeable furniture to meet infection control standards, a sofa bed, comfy chairs and tea-making facilities.
Susan Milne explained:“I think it is really important for parents suffering tragic loss in pregnancy to be able to receive care in a comforting environment.
“Women often tell us what good care they have received in the Unit and we are keen to continue providing this, especially for families facing difficult circumstances.”
A cake sale in theWomen and Children’s Unit has already raised more than £500 for the room refurbishment, and tickets for a Variety Night at Alloa Town Hall in March sold out within two days.
The hospital are also hopeful of receiving contributions from a number of local charities.