Published on behalf of Crosshouse Children’s Fund (CCF)
For families coping with a bereavement, the moments spent saying goodbye to a loved one can be among the most difficult they will ever face. At University Hospital Crosshouse, the mortuary viewing room is where these goodbyes are made, sometimes by parents who have lost a child, and at other times by children coming to see a much-loved family member for the last time.
Until recently, this room did not reflect the compassion and dignity that such moments deserve. Described by staff as “cold”, “clinical”, and “unwelcoming”, the tired surroundings did little to provide comfort or reassurance at such an emotional time.
“This area should be calm, supportive and inviting, helping to ease emotional distress and reflect the respectful care we provide,” said Stewart Thriepland, Mortuary Manager.
Thanks to the very generous funding provided by the Brownlie Charitable Trust, the viewing room has now been thoughtfully refurbished to create a softer, more supportive environment. This enhanced space offers families the opportunity to spend precious final moments in surroundings that feel cared for, calm, and respectful. As well as updating the main viewing room, improvements have been made to the family waiting area and entrance vestibule.
Crosshouse Children’s Fund is proud to have supported this project, alongside contributions from the Bell Group (painting), and Laydens (flooring) and ML Williams Funeral Directors. Their combined efforts have transformed the space into one that better supports families through grief.
“The transformation of this space is incredible. We’ve already had such positive feedback from both staff and families. We’re deeply grateful to Crosshouse Children’s Fund and the Brownlie Charitable Trust for making it possible, this thoughtful support will make a meaningful difference to people during some of the most difficult days of their lives,” added Jane MacMillan, Pathology Laboratory Manager.
This project continues the charity’s commitment to supporting families at times of loss. It follows our funding of Ayrshire’s first dedicated Paediatric Bereavement Liaison Nurse, the provision of bereavement books for children, and previous grant awarded to Ayrshire Baby Loss Support.
