The maternity bereavement suite at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, has been given a £10,000 makeover thanks to a donation from the Mansfield and Sutton League of Friends.

The suite was officially opened by the chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Dr Peter Marks, and head of corporate affairs Shirley Clarke.

The funding has enhanced home comforts in the dedicated room, providing parents who have suffered a stillbirth — or whose babies have survived for only a short time after birth — a private and less clinical area to grieve in and receive support.

The money was raised from fundraising events, donations and profits from three community charity shops.

Senior midwife Jo Disney-Spiers said: “Bereavement care is extremely important to us. Improvements to the suite will make sure that staff can provide dedicated assistance and support in comfortable and private surroundings.

“We know how sensitive and difficult these times are for families and parents, so for us to be able to provide a dedicated area is really good.

“We give our heartfelt thanks to the League of Friends for their hard work and support in improving facilities for parents and their families.”

Trustee of the League of Friends and charity shop co-ordinator Barbara Glass said: “We are pleased we have been able to support this improvement project, which will make such a difference to the support offered.

“Our fundraising team and shop volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds for our local hospitals.

“We are grateful for the support that we receive from the local community. From the fundraising by Christmas school choirs to donations received by various fundraising events, it all makes a real difference.”

Pictured, from left, are midwife Melanie Butcher, League of Friends trustees, Jo Disney-Spiers and Peter Marks.