Patients and families on Saturn Ward at Great Western Hospital are benefiting from a newly created family and recovery space funded through local charitable donations.
The room, which had previously been used for storage, has been transformed into a comfortable day space where patients can spend time away from their bedside and meet with loved ones in a calmer setting.
The project was led by Ward Manager Nicola Lennon and funded by Brighter Futures, the charity supporting Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
New furniture, including dining tables, chairs and soft seating, has been installed to create what staff describe as a more welcoming and dignified environment for patients and visitors.
Hospital staff say the room is already helping patients regain confidence and independence during their recovery by encouraging them to sit up, socialise and eat meals away from their beds.
Nicola Lennon said the impact had been immediate.
“This space allows our patients to step away from their bed space, spend meaningful time with family, and regain a sense of normality,” she said.
“It promotes independence, encourages social interaction, and supports recovery in a really positive way.”
The room is also providing families with a quieter and more private place to gather during what can often be difficult hospital stays.
The development forms part of the Trust’s wider focus on compassionate and family-centred care, with staff saying the new setting allows for more supportive conversations and a better overall experience for relatives.
Catherine Weaver, Associate Director of Charitable Funds at Brighter Futures, said the project showed how community donations can directly improve patient wellbeing.
“This is a fantastic example of how donations from our local community can make a real difference to patient care,” she said.
“By enhancing spaces like this, we can improve wellbeing, dignity and recovery for patients, while also supporting their families.”
Hospital staff say the refurbished space is helping encourage mobility, reduce deconditioning and create a more person-centred environment on the ward.
Brighter Futures funds a range of projects and equipment across Great Western Hospital that fall outside standard NHS budgets.
