Patients using Kelling Hospital will soon be able to enjoy a room with a view following the completion of a £115,000 project to create a relaxing space overlooking the site’s garden.
The new day room has been created to improve the experience which patients and their families have while using Kelling Hospital, which is run by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C). It has been made possible due to the generosity of the Friends of Kelling Hospital, who donated £100,000 towards the work, with the remaining £15,000 coming from NCH&C.
Norman Lamb MP, Member of Parliament for North Norfolk and Minister of State for Care and Support, also contributed to the project by raising money with a two day, 100-mile sponsored cycle ride around his constituency.
He said: “We are fortunate to have some wonderful hospitals and local charities in this area, and I am really pleased to have the opportunity to support such a great set of causes and the excellent work they do.”
Known as the ‘Garden Room’, the new space been designed to provide a relaxing and homely area where patients can read, socialise or talk to visitors away from the ward.
Able to accommodate around 12 patients, the room has been decorated to meet dementia-friendly standards, and uses appropriate flooring, colour schemes and art work to help patients feel safe and secure.
It was given its name thanks to the view of the gardens which it provides through new floor-to-ceiling windows.
Carolyn Sexton, Chairman of the Friends of Kelling Hospital, said: “It is a beautiful room – a place for patients to be quiet or to talk to their relatives as well as being ideal for occupational therapy or completing a jigsaw. We hope it brings much pleasure to all the patients who will use it in the future.”
Gary Wiltshire, NCH&C’s Fundraising Manager, said: “Kelling Hospital has changed considerably over the years as part of our Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving sites.
“Work is also being done with the Patient Environment Group to make improvements in non-clinical spaces to make them look more homely.”
The Garden Room will be formally opened at 3pm on Monday, October 20 by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, The Rt Hon The Countess of Romney.
www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk
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