Patient rooms in a local hospice Inpatient Unit have been transformed from outdated, multi-occupancy rooms to modern, private suites, providing patients with dignity at the end of life.
Birmingham Hospice’s Erdington site had numerous multi-occupancy rooms on its ward where teams provide palliative and end of life care for local people.
Having been built decades ago, the rooms were no longer fit for purpose, having become outdated with shared bathroom facilities in desperate need of modernising.
The hospice launched its Room to Care appeal in summer 2023, hoping to raise more than £200,000 to transform the rooms into somewhere patients can have autonomy in their surroundings, making those last few weeks or days more personal, and enabling them to spend time creating memories with loved ones, surrounded by the people and things most important to them.
COVID-19 also highlighted the need for individual washing and toilet facilities within single occupancy rooms due to the high risk of cross infection.
The charity, which is only part funded by the NHS, was generously supported by local people, corporate businesses and funders to reach its target. Donations ranged from £10 to £50,000 with every penny contributing towards the final target.
High Sheriff Douglas Wright MBE officially opened the three refurbished rooms with the hospice’s staff and trustees there to celebrate.
Paul Bytheway, Chief Executive at Birmingham Hospice, said: “This is a momentous time for our hospice.
“Having these rooms refurbished means so much to our patients, families, staff and visitors. The transformation of the rooms will ensure we can continue providing the expert, compassionate and patient-focused end of life care we pride ourselves on.
“Thank you to every single person who donated to the Room to Care appeal – from funders to corporate supporters and every single person who donated.”
Katie Roberts, Ward Manager at Birmingham Hospice, added: “These new single-occupancy rooms will give patients their own private, personal space.
“Providing patients comfort and dignity at the end of life is our top priority. The new rooms allow more room for things like family visits, meaning people can create special memories at the end of life.
“Myself and my teams who work on the Inpatient Unit each day, are so thankful to everyone who donated – thank you.”
Find out how you can support Birmingham Hospice: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/
