The Arnau de Vilanova Hospital in Lleida has enabled a new space dedicated to providing comprehensive support to families experiencing gestational or neonatal loss. This initiative, christened Espai Niu, is located within the healthcare center and seeks to address the most critical emotional needs in moments of great vulnerability.
The project is led by doctor Emili Mestre and psychologist Itziar Fernández, who have designed a structure composed of a room for parents directly connected to a living room. This design allows the entire family, including siblings, grandparents, and close relatives, to say goodbye to the baby in a safe and intimate environment. The coordinator of the perinatal grief unit emphasized the importance of this approach.
"consolidate the space as a benchmark in grief care" - Doctor Emili Mestre, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital
Itziar Fernández highlighted that each element of the place responds to a clear purpose to facilitate healthy mourning. The person in charge of the space's design emphasized the therapeutic intention behind each corner.
"every detail of the room has a therapeutic meaning to facilitate a "satisfactory mourning"" - Itziar Fernández, psychologist at Espai Niu
Among the facilities, the cold cradle stands out, a specific piece of furniture that allows the family to watch over the baby for a period that usually exceeds twelve hours. The area also has rest areas for parents and a special corner for the deceased's siblings. This sector is equipped with stories and toys intended to help children process the loss without the experience becoming a trauma.
Symbolism and humanization
The decoration incorporates visual metaphors such as a drop of water representing essentiality and the tree of life. These elements invite reflection and adapt to the diverse cultural beliefs of families. The entrance area can be used to hold small farewell ceremonies. Dr. Mestre added that the creation responds to the need to offer protective factors from the first moment.
"to offer a tool that allows establishing positive memories in a painful context" - Doctor Emili Mestre, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital
This opening follows the line of humanization already initiated in the hospital itself. It is a step forward in healthcare that prioritizes emotional support over the merely clinical. Families will have a refuge where they can manage their pain with dignity and closeness.