YEOVIL NEWS: Bereavement advice service at hospital

PEOPLE suffering the loss of a loved one will now have access to support seven days a week - thanks to a specialist bereavement advice service at YeovilHospital.

The service is there to support anyone who has lost a friend or family member who was cared for at the hospital.

Until recently, the service was only available Monday to Friday, but has now been extended to cover Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

A specially-trained advisor will be on hand in the hospital to help and support anyone going through a bereavement with practical advice on matters such as obtaining a death certificate and planning a funeral at a time when people may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. It can also offer emotional support and refer people to other services and groups which may be helpful in the future.

Patient experience advisor at the hospital, Luke Bridle, said: “I am thankful to be in a role which is of such importance to the Trust and gives me the chance to help people who have lost a loved one in hospital. Running the service at weekends means we can continue to help and offer support to people at the time when they really need it, rather than asking them to wait.”

Specialist advice and information is available through the service for parents who lose a baby through stillbirth or miscarriage.

Lesley Fairweather, who used the service recently, said: “I wanted to acknowledge Luke’s impressive professionalism.

“He was not only sensitive and patient; he also took time to carefully explain the next steps in what seems like a complex process. It is a difficult time for most and therefore hard to think clearly and absorb all the requirements.

“This is so very reassuring to those who feel confused and already heavily burdened with loss.”

The bereavement service is located on level 3 at the hospital, near the main entrance, and can be contacted on 01935-384746 or 07990-671855.

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