A SPECIAL annual memorial service for babies who have passed away will be held at Hereford County Hospital next month.

Anyone who who has lost a baby, whether recently or many years ago, is invited to attend the service at 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 4.

Reverend Philip Roberts, chaplain at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “The service lasts for about 40 minutes and each child is named and a candle will be lit in their memory. It is an important moment in the year when people are able to gather and remember their little ones with love."

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The service will be taken by the hospital chaplain, supported by maternity staff, and is open to any relative or friend who has been touched by the death of a baby.

If you wish to attend this service, please contact the hospital chaplain on 01432 364139 (please leave a message) or email philip.roberts@wvt.nhs.uk for further information.

Meanwhile, the clergy team at Wye Valley NHS Trust is on the lookout for someone to work half a day a week to look after the spiritual welfare of patients, their families and staff.

“Our team of faith leaders provide a vital service as they support patients at some of the most crucial and sensitive times of their lives,” said Lucy Flanagan, the Trust’s chief nursing officer.

“The team also provide spiritual support for our hardworking staff, many of whom work weekend and nights and cannot rely on normal routines to see family members or regularly attend church or other faith services.

The clergy team currently has a vacancy for half a day a week to cover Bromyard and Leominster Community Hospitals.

“The role will suit someone who is already a trained leader within a recognised faith community and will involve them visiting the community hospitals to provide pastoral and spiritual care to patients, their families and to our staff,” said Philp Roberts, who heads up the Trust’s clergy team.

“It’s important that we offer this support to those who have faith, and those of no faith, and it could involve working with patients’ own parish priest/ministries or other religious leaders regarding their pastoral and spiritual care while in hospital."

For more information, email Philip.Roberts@wvt.nhs.uk