A 'SAFE and comfortable' space for bereaved parents has been opened at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Situated on the labour ward at Wirral Women and Children's Hospital, the Butterfly Suite is for parents who have been through the devastating ordeal of losing their baby.

Some of them joined midwives, hospital staff and fundraisers for the opening of the new accommodation, which offers privacy from other families.

Mothers and partners can spend time alone with their baby, supported by specialist bereavement midwives.

Divisional director of nursing and midwifery, Debbie Edwards, said: "Losing a baby is devastating and it's important that we do all that we can to support parents experiencing such a loss.

"The Butterfly Suite will make a huge difference in helping us to provide the best care possible in a private and comfortable setting."

Thje features a double bed suitable for giving birth, adjustable lighting, a TV and cosy home furnishings, including private kitchen and bathroom.

Butterfly artwork adorns the walls and thoughtful items such as a memory book and a butterfly tree give parents the opportunity to share their thoughts about their precious baby.

The accommodation is soundproofed to ensure families are not disturbed by anything else going on in the ward.

The suite's opening was made possible by generous donations from local families, SANDS (stillbirth and neonatal death charity), Asda and hospital employees.

Among the fundraisers was Eastham mum, Nicola Almond, who sadly lost son Leon when he was stillborn 20 weeks into her pregnancy in October 2013.

Nicola went through the same devastating experience for a second time, eight months later, when her daughter Maddison was born sleeping at 28 weeks.

Nicola, 30, is founder of LMS Sleeping Baby Appeal and helped to fundraise to furnish the suite.

She attended the opening of the Butterfly Suite with five-week-old son Teddy.

She said: "I love it. It's bittersweet but when I think what I went through five years ago, this facility is fantastic.

"It makes you feel comfortable and safe.

"You can stay as long as you need and make the memories you want.

"I feel complete like I've come full circle.

"If it can help someone else who is going through what I went through, it will be an accomplishment and I can make my babies proud.

"I would also like to thank Heather Lennox, Bereavement Midwife, for all of her help and support with everything."

Dr Clea Harmer, chief Executive at SANDS added: "It is wonderful that the new bereavement suite at Arrowe Park Hospital has been opened.

"It will provide parents with a safe and private place to spend time with their baby at a devastating time in their lives.

"I'd like to say an enormous thank you to everyone at our local Sands groups in the North West for their hard work in raising substantial funds which have helped to make the suite a reality."