Additional Coverage:
- ‘We were horrifically told to put our miscarried baby in the fridge because hospital was full’ (themirror.com)
A London mother and her partner have shared their distressing experience after a miscarriage at home, compounded by troubling advice from the NHS to store their baby’s remains in a household refrigerator.
Sheree Chanelle Wakeford-Knight, 30, from Bethnal Green, and her partner Hassan Niyazi, 38, discovered they were expecting their first child together in February 2026. However, in early April, Sheree began experiencing bleeding and severe pain during her pregnancy, causing growing concern for the couple.
Despite persistent efforts to obtain medical assistance-including multiple calls to emergency services and NHS helplines-the couple faced delays and uncertainty. After being examined at the Royal London Hospital, Sheree was reassured that her baby appeared healthy, despite ongoing bleeding and discomfort.
Tragically, in the early hours of April 13, Sheree suffered a miscarriage at home. Following this, the couple say they were instructed to keep the baby’s remains in a refrigerator until the hospital could provide storage-resulting in the remains being kept for nine days, during which time decomposition occurred.
Sheree recounted the lasting impact of this experience: “When we went to take my baby to the hospital, I opened the fridge and I could smell a rotting smell. Since then, I have smelled that smell every time I open the fridge.
No matter how hard I have scrubbed, it stays with me. I have not been the same since that day-I am traumatized.”
The couple have expressed frustration with what they describe as inadequate support during their ordeal. Hassan said, “Seeing our baby’s heartbeat for the final time was heart-breaking. No parent should have to go through what we did.”
Upon returning to the hospital on April 22, Sheree received confirmation of the miscarriage through scans and tests. The couple handed over their baby’s remains to hospital staff, a moment Sheree described as overwhelming.
A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust offered condolences and emphasized their commitment to providing care with “empathy, compassion and dignity.” They also encouraged patients to reach out to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service or submit formal complaints if dissatisfied with their care.
This case highlights the emotional toll that can follow pregnancy loss and raises important questions about the support and guidance offered to grieving families during such vulnerable times.