A new designated space at Lister Hospital for families with children and young people with a palliative or end-of-life condition has opened, made possible by funding Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB received as part of NHSE long term funding for children’s palliative and end of life care.
Located in the Children’s Assessment Unit (CAU), the new space (which has been named the Phoenix Room) will give families a comfortable and quieter area when at Lister. The room can also be used by families with children or young people who have special educational needs and disabilities.
The room was officially opened on Wednesday 21 August by the family of Charlie Farmer, who has been a young patient at the hospital for many years, who have supported and campaigned for the space. Charlie’s family wanted the space to be called the Phoenix Room to symbolise hope and strength.
A range of new equipment for the CAU has been purchased, including hand-held oxygen saturation monitors for the community children’s nursing team, blankets and teddies for bereaved families, more reclining parent chairs in the CAU and a communication aid. The room also includes wheelchairs, reclining parent chair, a hoist and an ensuite.
The space has been beautifully painted and decorated by an artist in the local area.
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB as well as East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust would like to thank everyone involved.
More information on end of life care https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/your-health-and-care/support/end-of-life-care/