A NEW system is being set up to help prospective parents come to the terms with the trauma of losing their baby.

Bosses of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health care trust have been discussing the sensitive issue with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The health trust is unhappy with current arrangements and wants to set up a scheme which is more sympathetic to parents' feelings.

Meetings with patient groups and staff revealed there was a need to revamp the current arrangements.

Stillborn babies and terminations are not put in the same category as babies that die shortly after birth.

No certificates are issued and in the past remains of foetuses have been disposed of at the hospital.

Health trust chiefs want to put the new system in place as soon as possible to ease the suffering of parents. The plan is to cremate the remains and then hold a short service for parents at the council's crematorium.

There are also moves to build a garden of remembrance at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn.

Grieving parents would be able to have a plaque in the garden or plant a flower.

Health care trust chief executive John Thomas said: "This can be a very difficult and traumatic time for parents and we want to offer the option of a service and a short ceremony.

"There has been a lot of discussion on this issue and we are keen to handle this in the most sensitive way possible."

He added: "We want to provide more support and comfort to people who are having to deal with very trying circumstances.

"We wanted a way for parents to remember what can be a very tragic and upsetting event in their lives."

The scheme will be discussed at a Blackburn with Darwen leisure, sport and cultural services committee meeting on Wednesday, January 21.

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