Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage Support on the Isle of Man
If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy loss, you are not alone. Support is available on the Isle of Man, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Last updated: 14 August 2026 · By the pregnancy.im team
Key takeaway
If you experience pregnancy loss on the Isle of Man, the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Noble's Hospital provides medical care and can be contacted on 01624 642689. Counselling, bereavement leave, and support groups are also available on the island.
If you think you may be experiencing a miscarriage
If you are experiencing bleeding, cramping, or other symptoms of concern in early pregnancy, contact one of the following:
- Your GP — they can refer you to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
- Jane Crookall Maternity Unit — phone 01624 650030 (available 24 hours)
- Noble's Hospital Emergency Department — if you are in severe pain or experiencing heavy bleeding
You do not need to go through this alone. Medical staff are there to help and will treat you with care and compassion.
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Noble's Hospital provides specialist outpatient care for women with problems or concerns in early pregnancy (6–20 weeks). The unit offers ultrasound scans and blood tests to confirm the location and viability of a pregnancy.
Importantly, the EPAU has a separate entrance and exit, meaning you do not need to walk through the main hospital reception or past other maternity patients if you do not want to.
EPAU details
- Phone: 01624 642689
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:15am to 1:00pm
- Referral: self-referral by telephone assessment on the number above, or via your GP, midwife, or the Emergency Department
- Location: ground floor of the east wing, Noble's Hospital, Braddan — signposted as the Gynaecology Assessment Unit
Outside those hours — or if you have significant pain, heavy bleeding, shoulder tip pain, or dizziness at any time — go to the Emergency Department. If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, phone the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit on 01624 650030 instead and staff will advise you where to go.
The Bluebell Suite
The Bluebell Suite is a private room within the EPAU, designed specifically for parents experiencing miscarriage and baby loss. It provides a calm, private space where you can be cared for away from other patients.
The suite was designed by a Manx resident who experienced multiple miscarriages, and was created to offer privacy, comfort, and compassion during what is an incredibly difficult time.
Bereavement and counselling support
Grief after pregnancy loss is deeply personal. Whether your loss was early in pregnancy or later, your feelings are valid and support is available:
Arlo's Adventure
An Isle of Man charity founded in memory of baby Arlo, supporting Manx families affected by baby loss and those requiring neonatal treatment in UK hospitals. Arlo's Adventure provides practical support including transport, accommodation, and neonatal care packs at Noble's Hospital. The charity also provides dignified home care cradles for families experiencing pregnancy loss, developed in partnership with the Dignity Care Network.
Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man
Free, confidential bereavement support for anyone who has experienced a loss. Available face-to-face, by telephone, and by email.
Phone: 01624 668191 (weekdays, 9am–12pm) | cruse.org.im
Manx Care Counselling & Therapies
Manx Care provides counselling services for adults. Speak to your GP for a referral.
Isle Listen
A community mental health project offering support, including for parents and carers.
Manx Loss Support
Free, confidential listening support for anyone experiencing grief or loss on the Isle of Man.
Your midwife, health visitor, or GP can also provide support and refer you to specialist services. Do not hesitate to reach out — there is no time limit on when you can ask for help.
Support for partners and fathers
Pregnancy loss affects partners too. It is common for fathers and partners to feel grief, helplessness, or the pressure to stay strong for others. Your feelings matter, and support is available for you as well.
- Cruse Bereavement Support is available to all family members, not only the person who carried the pregnancy
- Speak to your GP if you are struggling — they can refer you to counselling services
- Isle Listen and Manx Loss Support offer non-judgemental listening for anyone experiencing grief
Time off work
Since 1 November 2025, the Isle of Man has Parental Bereavement Leave provisions under the Employment (Amendment) Act 2024:
- Stillbirth (from 24 weeks): Both parents are entitled to 2 weeks' leave, which can be taken as a single block or two separate weeks within the first year
- Miscarriage (before 24 weeks): Both parents are entitled to 1 week of leave
- A Parental Bereavement Allowance is available to provide financial support during this leave
A further right is on the way. The Employment (Amendment) Act 2026 received Royal Assent in July 2026 and creates the framework for Neonatal Care Leave — extra leave for parents whose baby needs neonatal care, linked to how long that care lasts. It is not yet in force: the detailed regulations are still being developed.
Beyond the statutory entitlement, your employer may offer additional compassionate leave. If you are not feeling ready to return to work, speak to your GP — they can provide a fit note (sick note) if needed.
For more on employment rights, see gov.im — Family Leave Rights or our paternity leave guide.
Stillbirth registration
A stillbirth on the Isle of Man is defined as a baby born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not breathe or show any other signs of life at birth.
By law, a stillborn baby must be registered. This gives parents the opportunity to name their child and have them officially acknowledged. You will also be able to hold a funeral.
To register a stillbirth, contact the Civil Registry in Douglas, where the Registrar will make appropriate arrangements with you. You can reach the Civil Registry through services.gov.im.
Miscarriages before 24 weeks do not require registration, but parents may wish to hold a memorial or remembrance service. Staff at Noble's Hospital can discuss options with you.
You are not alone
Miscarriage is more common than many people realise — around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. Despite how common it is, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no time limit on your feelings.
Whether your loss happened recently or some time ago, support is still available to you. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Sources
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. For medical advice, speak to your midwife, health visitor, or GP. If you are in crisis, contact the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit on 01624 650030 or visit Noble's Hospital Emergency Department.