Support services for pregnancy loss available at King Edward Memorial Hospital
Perinatal Loss Service
This service provides clinical care and counselling support for families who have experienced pregnancy loss or perinatal death (the death of a baby from 20 weeks pregnancy up to 4 weeks after birth) at King Edward Memorial Hospital. You can also be referred to this service your GP or other health care providers.
Phone 6458 2222.
Pastoral Care Services
Pastoral Care Services representatives offer spiritual care and counselling to parents and families. They can also advise on the Interment of Ashes service. This service is available to patients of King Edward Memorial Hospital as well as those referred by other health care providers.
Phone 6458 1036 or phone the King Edward Memorial Hospital switchboard 6458 2222 and ask for pager 3125. For urgent situations the chaplain is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via switchboard.
Social Work Department
The King Edward Memorial Hospital social workers provide support and short-term counselling hospital patients who have experienced a pregnancy loss. They also provide information on grieving, community supports and practical assistance.
Phone 6458 2777 during business hours.
Genetic Services of WA
Provides information, counselling and support for all individuals, couples and families following the diagnosis of a genetic condition in a family member or when an abnormality is found in an unborn baby. A genetic counsellor or geneticist is available to discuss the possible genetic causes of recurring miscarriages.
Phone 6458 1525.
Psychological Medicine Department
The King Edward Memorial Hospital Psychological Medicine Department includes clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, medical officers and mental health nurses. They provide counselling and psychiatric services to patients for mental health issues that may complicate the experience of a pregnancy loss. Ask your health carers to arrange a referral or contact the department yourself.
Phone 6458 1521 during business hours.
Perinatal Pathology Department
Perinatal Pathology staff will care for your baby after you go home. They are responsible for the creation of mementos (photos, hand and foot prints) and where required, the post mortem examination and/or cremation of your baby. This service is available to King Edward Memorial Hospital patients, and all other patients referred on from another hospital.
To arrange the collection of any mementos or request a report be sent to your doctor, phone 6458 2730 or phone the King Edward Memorial Hospital switchboard on 6458 2222 and ask for pager 3106.
Post Mortem Coordinator
A post-mortem coordinator is available to discuss with you any concerns you may have about the post-mortem examination. This service is available to King Edward Memorial Hospital patients, and all other patients referred on from another hospital.
Phone 6458 2730 or phone the King Edward Memorial Hospital switchboard on 6458 2222 and ask for pager 3106.
Women and Newborn Health Library
A women’s health information service is located in the main corridor of King Edward Memorial Hospital (ground floor). It has books, videos and other useful information about pregnancy loss.
Visit the library or phone 6458 1100. Outside metro area free call 1800 651 100 (free from land line only).
Acknowledgements
Women and Newborn Health Service
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.