A hospital has turned pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week 2018.

Mid Essex Hospital, also known as Broomfield hospital, will be illuminated at night until Tuesday, October 16 in a show of support for the awareness week.

The annual week, now in its 16th year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and friends, to commemorate babies’ lives and break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

Nicola White and Tabitha Stuthridge from Mid Essex Hospital, said: “We hope turning the hospital pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.”

The hospital will also be fundraising for its maternity bereavement service from Friday, October 12, to Monday, October 15.

All the buildings and landmarks turning pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2018 will be featured on the interactive map and on Facebook.

Anyone can share their photos of the hospital on social media using the hashtag #BLAW2018.

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity), said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to commemorate their babies who died, and I hope bereaved families in our area seeing the hospital lit up pink and blue will feel less isolated and alone in their grief.

“Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.”

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit: www.babyloss-awareness.org