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Friends and family of Worcestershire hospital patients will be able to stay more comfortably at their loved ones’ bedsides as they near the end of their lives thanks to a partnership between the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity.

A successful £20,000 fundraising appeal has enabled the Palliative and End of Life Care Team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to buy a total of 20 additional day beds – seven for the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, and 13 for Worcestershire Royal – which are now providing much appreciated support across both sites which enable relatives to stay more comfortably by patients during their final days and hours. The appeal included a £10,000 donation from the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital to fund most of the new beds on the Worcestershire Royal site.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to providing high quality supportive care for patients, and those important to them, at the end of their life. When a patient is dying in their hospitals loved ones can stay with them around the clock. But trying to rest during this difficult time can be tough when on a ward, often loved ones must try and get what sleep they can, sat up in a chair.

Being able to recline or lie down in a more comfortable position allows family members to feel more rested, which can make a difficult and emotional time that bit easier for everyone. Day beds are comfortable reclining chairs suitable for wards that can be adjusted to various positions and laid completely flat.

Sophie Burt, Head of Fundraising and Community Development says, “I would like to say thank you so much to our donors and supporters for their generosity. Thanks go to the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital for their support of this project donating £10,000 funding 10 chairs for use specifically in Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“The Trust’s Palliative and End of Life Care Teams see every day the difference the day beds make to those patients nearing the end of their lives, and their loved ones who are in the hospital beside them. So to the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital, to the Friends of Pershore Hospital who also made a very generous donation to our appeal and to everyone who sent us a donation of any amount I say thank you, your support really does make a difference.”

Carol Silvester, the Chair of the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital said: “The purpose of the Friends is to provide support to patients and their families extra to the NHS. We have been providing support for hospitals in Worcester for 75 years and as we celebrate our diamond anniversary this year, we are delighted to welcome the incoming Bishop of Worcester as our new President. The chance to work in partnership with the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity shows what we can achieve, and if anyone would like to join us to support our fundraising efforts on behalf of the patients and staff of Worcestershire Royal Hospital, we would be delighted to hear from them.” 

To find out more about the work of the Friends of WRH please email chairfwrh@gmail.com

To find out more about Worcestershire Acute Hospitals and how you can show your support please contact info@wahcharity.org or call 01905 768954.