A new family room at The James Cook University Hospital is giving patients who are nearing the end of their lives and their loved ones a space to quietly reflect and spend valuable time together.
The purpose-built end-of-life room on ward 3 offers a calm, private area for patients and their families away from the busy ward environment.
Those using the room have their own ensuite, hot drinks station, massage oils and CD player.
Each patient is given a dignity gown and a last wishes book to fill in with their family.
It was designed by ward 3 staff nurse Michelle Milson who has a very personal reason for wanting to create the tranquil space.
In February 2021, just after graduating as a qualified nurse Michelle was diagnosed with terminal stage four bowel cancer.
“Because I’m not able to be clinical anymore, I can’t look after my patients and hold their hand,” she said.
“But, by doing this project, I wanted to show my patients that I still think of them and everything that I do behind the scenes is to make things better for them.
“When furnishing the room, I wanted it to be as homely as possible, so the patients and their families don’t feel like they’re in hospital.”
Along with the help of her colleagues, Michelle raised over £600 to transform the ward bay.
Local businesses, such as Tesco Warehouse and photographer Martin Davison also helped by donating items as well as Our Hospitals Charity.
“It means the world to see the room finished and being used by the patients. I know it will enhance both their care and their family’s experience.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, I will be forever grateful to the whole of the team and my manager Amanda who inspired me and supported me with the idea of creating this room, it’s been a true family effort.
“This room is so important and special. If it was me, I’d be quite happy to be in here with my family. I hope it gives them some comfort when they feel things like I have.”
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Amanda Parry, ward 3 manager added: “This facility will mean so much to our families, giving them some much needed comfort and support during such a difficult time.
“I would just like to thank all those who have supported the ward in raising money, and for the generous donations that we have received.
“I would also like to thank Michelle who has worked tirelessly to achieve this wonderful facility. Michelle has put her heart and soul into the project and has simply thought of everything down to the last detail. I am so very proud of her and the whole team.”
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The team now hope to evolve and grow the room further to meet patient needs and have started fundraising to create a memory garden and wellbeing area in the ward’s courtyard.
If you would like to donate you can do so via www.justgiving.com/page/michelle-milson-1677068272613