The chairman of North Herts District Council is calling on businesses to help support parents who have lost a baby.

Michael Weeks is asking Comet country companies to help create a homely environment for parents at a new family room at Lister Hospital.

The room, one of two in the hospital’s new maternity wing which opens on October 17, will give space to bereaved parents and those whose children are very sick.

In partnership with his charity of the year - the North Herts Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity (SANDS), Cllr Weeks is asking for donations that will make families feel at home rather than at hospital.

He said: “While the basic requirement will be met by the NHS Trust, SANDS would like to provide those little extras to make the rooms feel more like home. Of the two rooms, SANDS is able to equip one from its own funds and the generosity of its members, but wish to appeal local businesses to help with the second room.”

Samantha Murphy, chairman of North Herts SANDS added: “You can never ease the pain of losing a baby but you can try to make the experience less traumatic. It’s important that the new family rooms at the Lister are more reminiscent of home than of hospital. To that end we are seeking items such as a television, DVD player, iPod dock and small items that will keep young children occupied, as well as a bed, bedside cabinets and two wipeable tub-style chairs in order to provide a comforting environment for parents to come to terms with their loss and spend time with their baby.”

If you can help, contact SANDS at northhertssands@gmail.com