Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland) was formed in 2009 by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth, and the organisation is now the national charity supporting families affected by perinatal loss.
Jason Hurney, of Veolia's Technical team, submitted a successful application to the Veolia Connect Fund to develop a prototype for a new product which would enable parents and families of recently deceased babies to spend more time with those babies and bring them home to make memories before finally saying their goodbyes.
Together with a team of bereavement nurses from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Jason used his technical expertise to understand their needs and the needs of the families to develop a concept and then a prototype which would make this more affordable, accessible, transportable and easier to use. In March 2020 this prototype was ready to enter into full test mode in the Hospital.
Jason has been very understanding and patient. He got feedback from us on what we have and what can improve and we met loads over the months. It’s been great to have been part of such a project