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Hospice inspires bereaved mum to become nurse

Mick LunneyYorkshire
News imageKATY MILLER A woman in a white nursing uniform stands in front of doors to a hospital ward. Her hair is tied back and she smiles for the camera.KATY MILLER
Katy Miller said she was inspired to become a nurse after receiving support from a hospice

A bereaved mother has said the "heartwarming" support of a children's hospice inspired her to become a nurse.

Oscar, the son of Katy Miller from Barnsley, died an hour after he was born in 2020.

Miller was allowed to take him home as part of the support provided by the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice based in Rotherham.

She now works on the surgical assessment ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and said the care she received had "set the foundation for the kind of nurse I want to be".

Miller said she would not forget the empathy shown by Bluebell Wood.

"Its staff were waiting for us at home when we returned from hospital with all the equipment set up," she said.

"It was such a painful time, but so heartwarming and reassuring to have them on hand as soon as we arrived.

"Without that support, there's no way we could have brought him home."

News imageKATY MILLER A double frame containing a photograph of baby Oscar, and his hand and foot prints.KATY MILLER
The hospice helped the family gather keepsakes in memory of Oscar

The hospice provided a temperature-controlled bed, known as a cold cot, for Oscar.

It allowed the family to grieve with him privately for three days.

It meant his sisters, Maeva and Emmy, were able to spend time with him, and the wider family were able to say their goodbyes.

Sarah Duffy, head of family support at Bluebell Wood, said: "Katy's strength, resilience and determination to retrain and give back to her community in Oscar's memory are truly inspiring.

"Katy should feel immensely proud of all she has achieved and her courage and commitment are making a real and meaningful difference."

Listen: A Barnsley mum's journey after baby loss

Reflecting on her new career, Miller said: "Nursing is my baby now, and that's what I'm holding with me every single day."

She said the loss of Oscar had made her "more aware of the emotional impact behind clinical situations".

"It showed me what truly compassionate care looks like and sets the foundation for the kind of nurse I want to be," she said.

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