Charitable donations have helped create a warmer, more welcoming environment for families using the relatives and viewing rooms within A&E at UHNM.
For families receiving difficult news or saying goodbye to a loved one, the environment around them can become part of a lasting memory.
The relatives room and viewing rooms within A&E had previously become dark, cold spaces that staff felt were no longer suitable for the people using them.
With support from charitable donations, the rooms have now been transformed to feel warmer, calmer and more like a living room, creating a space where relatives can feel safe and comfortable during difficult moments.
Tamsin Jackson, Clinical Educator and Senior Staff Nurse, explained why the improvements were so important.
“They’re going to remember it sitting in this room. So making that nice environment for them is just really important.”
The rooms are used by families waiting for results, receiving difficult news and spending time with loved ones who have died.
Tamsin said the aim was to create a more inviting space where relatives could feel comfortable and leave with better memories of their time in the department.
She also thanked everyone whose donations helped make the changes possible.
“We literally couldn’t have done it without all the donations that we’ve had.”
Families who have used the rooms since the improvements have already shared positive feedback about the new environment.
Tamsin added that fundraising can help support projects like this across UHNM, improving patient care and the experience of relatives during difficult times.
