On October 17th 2021, our beautiful Elsie became extremely unwell and was transferred to PICU at Southampton hospital. Because of the phenomenal expertise of the PICU team, Elsie’s condition was stabilized and we went on to have five precious days more with our daughter. 

During these five days, to say that the team went ‘above and beyond’ feels entirely inadequate: Surprising us with footprint crafts after painful nights apart, enabling us to take her for a walk in the hospital garden, creating a special bed where the three of us could sleep alongside one another during her last night on the ward, providing a care team to help transfer her to the hospice and hold a dedication ceremony there…these are just a few of the ways in which the team helped us to create memories with our little girl which are now a lifeline in our grief. 

Our days in PICU were some of the most frightening and painful of our lives. And yet, because of the the care, support and expertise of the team, we were able to carve out moments of genuine joy with our darling girl. Throughout it all, we felt held together by the safety and support of the whole team. As a result, we feel profoundly bonded to this place and its people. It will always carry a sense of home for us. 

Friends of PICU (the wonderful charity that supports this incredible ward and the families it takes care of) have committed to fund a new role of a Family Liaison & Bereavement Care Sister. The role will ensure care and support to families throughout their PICU journey and beyond. This will include supporting families through end-of-life care decisions and the bereavement process, as well as providing education and support to PICU staff in all aspects of family integrated care. The role is commencing from September 2022, and the charity has committed to funding this for an initial period of 3 years. 

It feels so fitting that in Elsie’s honor, we can do something to contribute towards such a crucial role. Navigating  the end of your child’s life is asking a parent to bear the unbearable. Yet having the right support can at least enable you to feel that you're not bearing it alone. 

We would be delighted if, in Elsie’s memory, you felt able to contribute towards providing this care for other families like ours.