Eirene launches at the Trust to support the women who experience loss during their pregnancies

Eirene launched early this year – a virtual reality headset designed with health and wellbeing in mind. This project was conceptualised by Miss Natalie Nunes (Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and Lauren Trepte (Research Midwife) at our West Middlesex site, to help support women who experience loss in the early stages of their pregnancies.

The team secured funding from the Dragon’s Den style programme for staff innovation ideas offered by hospital charity CW+. This helped them to launch Eirene, a project named after the Roman goddess of peace. The project aims to give women who experience an early miscarriage a sense of peace during an emotionally distressing time.

Lauren says: “Eirene is a project which is very dear to our hearts, as we sadly meet women in the early stages of their pregnancy who have experienced a loss. Peace of mind through observing a scene or a guided mediation while undergoing a MVA procedure reduces anxiety and aids relaxation. It gives them an alternative view and the opportunity to meditate, while being supported by our staff, and hopefully improves their mental health outcomes.

“Since launching the project, I have found that women are very receptive to the use of the headsets and like being given the option of a holistic comfort measure alongside normal painkillers. While supporting women during the procedure, I have seen that they appear relaxed and calm.

“The headset has music but women can still hear staff members providing words of comfort. This, alongside the virtual reality scenes in which they are immersed, really appears to help them focus their thoughts and focus on their breathing. Women really value being given choice and support during this difficult time.

“We hope the Eirene project helps to promote and improve women’s health and wellbeing needs at times of discomfort and distress.”