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Publish date: 1 July 2026
Our new dedicated space for families experiencing baby loss has officially opened. The Meadows Room and Peace Garden has been created to provide a calm, private and compassionate environment where families can rest, reflect and spend time together during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The space was developed by the maternity service with support from Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity, generous local donors, staff, volunteers and community partners.
The room and garden have been designed to offer comfort, dignity and peace for families, away from the busy clinical environment. The project has also included new furnishings and finishing touches for the room, charity-funded improvements, bespoke artwork, planting and garden work.
The project has been made possible thanks to the dedication of colleagues within the maternity service, including Sophie Heaton, and the original plans developed by Dotty, the now retired previous Director of Midwifery. The Trust has also received significant support from Jo-Anne Oldfield from the Sitwell Arms, who donated £11,000 towards the project.
Retired midwife Joanne Heaton has also played a key role, working with her local art group to create artwork for the space, as well as supporting fundraising and carrying out much of the gardening work.
The Meadows Room and Peace Garden will be officially opened on Tuesday, 30 June at 12 noon, with representatives from the maternity service, Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, local supporters and community partners expected to attend.
Sophie said: “This space has been created with families at its heart. We wanted to provide somewhere peaceful, private and compassionate for families experiencing baby loss - somewhere they can pause, reflect and be together.
“It has taken a huge amount of care, thought and effort from so many people to bring the Meadows Room and Peace Garden to life. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this project, from colleagues and the charity to our donors, volunteers and local community partners.”
Rebecca Bustani, Director of Midwifery said: “Baby loss is devastating, and we know how important it is that families are supported with compassion, dignity and kindness.
“The Meadows Room and Peace Garden will make a real difference to the care we are able to provide. It gives families a dedicated space at a time when they need privacy, comfort and sensitive support the most.”
Jayne Stringfellow, Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, said: “This project shows the real impact charitable support can have for patients, families and colleagues.
“We are proud to have supported the Meadows Room and Peace Garden and grateful to everyone who has donated, fundraised, volunteered and helped make this space possible. It is a very special example of what can be achieved when our hospital and our community come together.”
Joanne Heaton, retired midwife and local artist – who supplied the artwork for the upgraded space, said: “Having worked in maternity services, I know how important it is for families to have a space that feels calm, gentle and personal.
“It has been a privilege to support this project through the artwork and garden. I hope the Meadows Room and Peace Garden brings some comfort to families when they need it most.”
The Trust has worked closely with local baby loss support organisations, including SANDS and Derbyshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices, as part of the development of the space.
The Meadows Room and Peace Garden will continue to be supported through Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, with plaques and information in place to recognise the contribution of donors and supporters.
