The McAleese family from Dunloy, who tragically lost their son Noah (2) in a farming accident in November 2022, have helped open a new bereavement support room at the Causeway Hospital.

After Noah’s passing, his parents wanted to use their own experience to bring about improvements for other families attending hospital under similar circumstances to them. The family has worked closely with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Patient & Client Council to make this happen.

The new space, known as the ‘Infinity Room’ after Noah’s love of Toy Story was officially opened by his parents and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today.

Located within the Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department, the new space has been specially designed to be a quiet sanctuary where families can spend time together with their loved one in their final moments, or after they have passed.

Speaking at the opening, Corrina McAleese, Noah’s mum, said: “The Infinity Room has been a project over two years in the making. It has been both a rewarding and challenging journey, but we are very proud to be standing here today with the room finished and to have it opened by the Minister.

“We appreciate when someone loses a loved one, there is very little that can truly ease that pain. But what we can do is create spaces that provide a softer landing in those immediate, devastating moments. And that is how the Infinity Room was created.

“Through the Infinity Room, Noah’s story lives on and as Noah’s mummy and daddy that means the world to us. It’s a positive legacy for a very loved little boy which will bring comfort to other families in the most difficult of times.

“We hope this is just the beginning. Noah’s Story – now a registered charity in Northern Ireland will endeavour to continue to funds and create more spaces like this across hospitals in Northern Ireland and support staff by helping to provide trauma led care to appropriately support families faced with bereavement.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, said: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to Noah’s parents, Corrina and Johnny. For any parent to lose a child is unimaginably heartbreaking. I am deeply moved that they would use their own tragic experience to bring about improvements for other families in grief. I want to express my sincere gratitude to them.

“The Infinity Room will provide a safe, trauma-informed space where families can spend time and be supported by having access to a private, dignified, and sensitive environment during their most difficult moments.

“My thanks also to Northern Trust and the Patient & Client Council for supporting the development of this important facility.”

Mark McCrudden, Assistant Director of Medicine and Emergency Medicine at the Northern Trust, said: “We are very grateful to the McAleese family. They have not only been the driving force behind the development of the Infinity Room, but they have also openly shared their experiences with us so that we can improve how we provide care and support to other families going through loss.

“No one ever wants to be in a position where they need to use a space like this but it so important that it is there when needed. Emergency Departments are very busy and noisy but the new Infinity Room means that families can now have somewhere quiet to spend precious time together with their loved one.

“In the midst of their own grief, Noah’s parents have sought to help others and in doing so have also created a lasting legacy for their son and we want to thank them for that.”

Meadhbha Monaghan, Patient & Client Council (PCC) Chief Executive said: “Noah’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to the lived experiences of families. Through their courage and compassion, Noah’s family have turned personal loss into lasting change that will help many others. The creation of the Infinity Room and the development of Noah’s Protocol demonstrate what can be achieved when families, advocates, and health professionals work together in partnership with compassion and purpose.

“The PCC is privileged to have supported the McAleese family in making their vision a reality, ensuring that families facing the most difficult moments are met with care, dignity and understanding.”

Linda Doherty Riley, PCC Senior Practitioner for Advocacy said: “I was honoured to support the McAleese family throughout their journey to develop the Infinity Room and to stand alongside them at the opening within the Causeway Hospital.

The Infinity Room is a beautiful tribute to Noah, it is a space that reflects the warmth, courage and love his family has shared with the wider community and their commitment to developing trauma-informed care for families experiencing loss and grief. It offers a place of comfort and reflection, ensuring that families facing the most difficult moments are met with care and understanding.”