University Hospital Galway will hold a special ceremony this week to mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day.
A virtual candle lighting memorial ceremony will be held on Friday 15 October at 6.30pm in the hospital chapel, which will lead into an international wave of light at 7pm.
The global initiative recognises and remembers babies who have passed away due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other causes of infant loss.
The candle lighting ceremony in UHG will be available to view live online at www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/uhg-
Helen Byrnes, Bereavement Support Midwife, University Hospital Galway said that it is unfortunate that families will not be able to attend the service in person again this year – but said that they would be delighted if people joined the online ceremony.
“The ceremony will be streamed live from the hospital chapel and the booklet of the songs and readings can be accessed via the Saolta website www.saolta.ie.
“Even if the event is virtual we know from feedback from last year that families do appreciate the supportive value of the event.
“We would like to invite anyone who has been affected by pregnancy or infant loss, whenever or however it happened to join us on Friday 15 October at 6.30pm to take time out to reflect and remember,” said Helen Byrnes.
The gable end of the Nurses’ Home in UHG will be illuminated with blue and pink light to mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
For further information on the virtual candle lighting ceremony or to request a booklet, please contact Helen Byrnes on 091 893614 or 087 7712329, helen.byrnes@hse.ie
