Gosset ward Junior Sister, Bernadette Hargreaves tells the story:
Before
Gosset, Paddington and Disney wards at Northampton General Hospital are pleased to officially announce the completion of the refurbishment of their staff lounge.
During late 2019, the Neonatal Unit and Paediatric Wards Shared Decision-Making Councils were in discussions with staff about ways to improve their shared, unwelcoming rest area which had dated décor and mismatch of old uncomfortable furniture.
A proposed project plan of how we wished the room to look was drafted.
Shared Decision-Making Councils (SDM’s) are made up of representatives from all levels of staff in departments across the hospital, working together to bring forward and develop ideas in their area to improve patient care and staff experience.
In January 2020 Gosset Ward SDM council took the lead role in this particular project, submitting the proposed project plan to the Paediatric Nursing and Medical Leads seeking permission for the proposed changes.
Once the plan was agreed, funding for the project was applied for and granted through the Paediatric and Neonatal funds from Northamptonshire Health Charity.
During the transformation – painting the walls
Myself and Jenna Leeder then spent time liaising and negotiating with the hospital Estates Department and by late February early March the refurbishment work had begun.
Dividing doors between two rooms were removed, new ceiling lights and flooring installed, creating a large brighter space.
Windows were replaced with the lower half frosted out and vertical blinds hung to give staff greater privacy from passers-by and the room received a fresh coat of paint.
Kitchen units were replaced with a fresh modern look, kindly donated by Howdens Joinery.
To complete the look, co-ordinating furniture, wall art and a television were purchased.
Although COVID-19 restrictions created obstacles and delayed completion, close collaboration and teamwork prevailed, enabling us to achieve our goal of creating a welcoming comfortable space for staff to relax in.
Comments from staff have been very positive: “I now look forward to taking breaks in there”, ‘’love the furniture, so comfy’’, ‘’great improvement’’ being some.
The Gosset SDM Council and all Neonatal and Paediatric staff are grateful to all those who gave their time, assistance and support in achieving the fulfilment of this project; the kindness and generosity of all those who donated funds to Northamptonshire Health Charity enabling the refurbishment to be funded; the guidance and support from Alison McCulloch, Head of Fundraising at the charity; Paul Sanderson; Howdens Joinery, for the kind donation of the kitchen.
Richard Smith and Nadine Shadwell of the Furniture Centre, Kettering for their guidance, donation and discount when purchasing the furniture.
Paul Tobin and his team at NGH Estates Department for their patience and understanding in helping us complete this project.
Bernadette Hargreaves – Junior Sister Gosset Ward and SDM Chair.