Northamptonshire Health Charity has recently funded the transformation of the Accident and Emergency staff area at Northampton General Hospital.
The aim has been to maximise the space that is available for the large number of staff who need to use the area throughout their shifts.
The changes that have been made to the space seek to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, something that is even more important in light of the COVID19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, the Emergency team have been through many challenges having to implement numerous changes and new pathways to ensure patient safety.
“The A&E staff room was dingy, dark and dated, a lick of paint was never going to be enough to improve the space or make it a relaxing place for a break.
The charity team has helped us create an area where staff can relax, recharge and refuel, even if it is for only 30 minutes,” said Kim Patterson, A& E Nurse Manager, “We were fortunate enough that Howdens donated the kitchen units and KN Group donated money to buy seating.”
Thanks to Howdens for the new kitchen
As a result of staff being able to feel refreshed and rejuvenated following their breaks in the newly refurbished area, it will help the team maintain an enhanced level of care for the patients passing through.
The charity is so pleased to be able to support the refurbishment of an important space like this for staff.
The A&E team work so hard, often under very challenging conditions, the pandemic notwithstanding, so this transformation of their break and rest area has created a more comfortable space for them to relax in.
The charity would like to take this opportunity to thank KN Group for their donation for the new furniture and Howdens Joinery for donating the kitchen units.
The charity would also like to thank Barclays once again – it is thanks to their generous donation last year that the building work could be funded.
“The COVID pandemic has been really challenging for everybody, in ED we are lucky enough to have an amazing team of staff who have been dedicated to supporting the department and each other,” said Rhiannon Baker, also Nurse Manager, “They deserve something special and the charity has helped us provide it.
This isn’t just a kitchen, it’s a quiet five minutes, a place to counsel a colleague or a room full of laughter following an ED story.”
“Northamptonshire Health Charity came in like a fairy godmother, waved their wand, found us some money, and made it happen and took the stress away.” Kim Patterson