Families and friends of patients staying on Ward 34 (the diabetes ward) at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, now have a revamped cosy room to relax in, thanks to the fundraising and hard work of staff on the ward.

After staff realised the ward didn’t have anywhere suitable for families to relax in or to receive news about their relative in a comfortable setting, they set about raising funds.
A raffle on the ward raised almost £400.

Staff on the ward pulled together to use the funds to transform a dated, clinical-looking room into a comfortable and home-from-home relaxed sitting room.

The funds were used to buy new furniture, bright and modern wallpaper, and a television.
A relative of a patient on the ward kindly donated a new wood-effect vinyl floor to spruce up the room.

Deputy ward leader Hayley Anthony, one of the many members of staff involved in the revamp, said: “The room that we had before was very dingy and clinical, and really not relaxing, so it was very rarely used.

“We wanted something more relaxing and less clinical for patients. We all got stuck in, painting the room, and a carer at the trust (Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust) wallpapered the room in her own time. The finished look is perfect and just what we wanted.

“It’s really important that we are able to offer a space for families to relax close to their loved one when in hospital.

“We’ve needed this home-like room for some time and I’m grateful to everyone who got involved with the raffle and those that dedicated their time to making the room a possibility.

“It just shows what we can do when we work together. We’re also incredibly grateful to the family who donated the new flooring to us, it’s made such a difference.

“We’re already seeing more families using the room just to have a hot drink away from a clinical setting and watch some television.”