A new labour suite for parents facing the loss of their baby has been created after fundraising by two charities.

The Snowdrop Suite for stillbirths based at Queen's Hospital in Romford has been soundproofed and includes features which mean grieving parents do not need to leave the suite.

The King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity worked alongside the Havering Sands society on the project. 

Havering Sands member Sian Haywood, who lost her son Max in 2006, said: "We can not make the situation better, but we can prevent the situation from becoming worse."

Fundraising events included marathons and skydives.

Avril Archibold, Labour Ward Matron at Queen’s Hospital, said: "The suite is more than a room to us, it will help signify the care we can give here at Queen’s.

"We used to have a sign on the door warning staff of the tragic loss that had happened to the family, now we have subtle, special vases that will have a snowdrop flower in to signify when the room is in use.

"This is just a small example of how the suite will dramatically enhance the quality of care given on the Labour ward."

Chief Executive of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Averil Dongworth, said: "It is a great example of how patients, visitors and families are working together to help enhance the services the Trust can provide".