Heberden ward refurbishment is really making waves!
Heberden ward at St George’s Hospital, which cares for older patients, has been renovated with help from St George’s Hospital Charity funds.
The transformation sees a larger staff base area; colourful beach-themed patient bays and side rooms; new patient showers; a day room; tea and ice cream stations, new flooring; and improved lighting and heating systems.
Tessa Longney, Head of Nursing for Specialist Medicine and Senior Health, said: “The refurbishment has made such a huge difference to both staff and patients. The newly designed patient bays look less clinical, and are beach-themed and colourful to help make our patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during their stay.
“I am so pleased to say we now have two walk-in showers on the ward – we didn’t have any shower facilities previously. Their larger size makes them more accessible for patients who struggle in smaller spaces.”
Louise Clancy, Senior Sister, added: “The ward also includes a day room which is a fantastic way to help our patients become more active and reduce isolation. Patients can use the day room to socialise and have a chat, play games, watch old films or listen to music together.
“In addition, we have an ice cream station where patients can have ice cream anytime during the day and relax in a quiet space away from their beds, and opposite to this we have a similar area called the hot drinks corner. These areas give patients the opportunity and freedom to be able move around which can often help to drive recovery.
“Feedback from staff, patients and their families has been overwhelmingly positive and we are so grateful to everyone who has been involved in the transformation.”
Amerjit Chohan, Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “The charity is thrilled to be able to support essential capital projects such as this and we recognise the significant improvement this makes to staff and patients on the ward.”
Special thanks goes to St George’s Hospital Charity for their generous donation of £250,000; St George’s estates team; Richmond Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and the senior health team for fundraising over £4000; and Rohit Raj, AMU Consultant, for raising £1200.
