Hospital memorial books and services

Memorial books

Many hospitals have a memorial book for babies who have died. In some hospitals, parents’ inscriptions are written in the book by a calligrapher and the relevant page is opened on thebaby’s anniversary.

In other hospitals, parents write their own messages. Some families write about their babies, others write poems, draw pictures or put in photos. The memorial book is usually kept in the maternity unit, the neonatal unit or the hospital chapel so that parents can return to view it or to add to it whenever they want to.

 If you have not been told about a memorial book, you could ask the staff if there is one and where it is kept.

Memorial services

Many hospitals also hold an annual memorial service for all the babies who have died during the year. Some memorial services are open to all parents whenever their babies died. These services are non-denominational, bereaved parents of all faiths and none are invited to attend.