The Freeman Hospital has opened the doors to a brand new Haven – a dedicated space to support families and carers of patients receiving end of life care.
The space, officially opened by Newcastle Hospitals chief executive Sir Jim Mackey and Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe, was made possible thanks to the generosity of the supporters of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
When a patient is receiving end of life care, their comfort is always a priority but the wellbeing of their families and carers is also very important.
Haven will provide a space to make a meal, take a shower as well as a quiet place to rest for those who need some time away from the ward.
Lizzy Zabrocki, nurse specialist – end of life care at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “Haven provides a space away from clinical areas for the families and carers of patients receiving end of life care. Families who have used RVI Haven tell us it’s like a hug. It provides the simple things – a shower to freshen up, a quiet place to reflect and even just the pack of cards that act as a distraction.
“Some families are called in unexpectedly and can’t bring anything with them so spaces like this can make a huge difference when your world is turning upside down.”
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe and Assistant Head Coach Jason Tindall were on hand to officially open the space, and Eddie shared his thanks to the staff involved in the project to develop Haven: “This facility will play a huge part in supporting families across the region and I can see firsthand how many people have played a huge role in making this happen. It is something that everybody should be incredibly proud of.
“On behalf of everyone at Newcastle thank you for everything you do – you all do such an amazing job for the community.”
Haven at the Freeman is the second dedicated space opened at Newcastle Hospitals to support families and carers of patients receiving end of life care following the opening of RVI Haven in 2019.
Teri Bayliss, charity director at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support the development of this vital service at the Freeman Hospital, thanks to the generosity of the supporters of Newcastle Hospital Charity.
“We know from RVI Haven that this service will make such a huge difference to families and carers.”
Newcastle Hospitals Charity works directly with staff to support ideas from their on-the-ground experience with patients and their families, because of this, families will now be able to reflect and grieve away from ward environment.
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