A Blossom Room has been created at Bedford Hospital for patients to spend their final days with their loved ones on Shand Ward.
The calming, comfortable, and private room features a blossom-themed sky panel, television, pink furnishings, and a reclining bed chair for relatives to stay close by.
The idea for the Blossom Room was Jane Arnold’s, in memory of her father, Barry Gilbert, who was grateful to be able to spend time with him during his last days in May 2020.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity have delivered the project thanks to Jane and other supporters including Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends.
The Blossom Room will also be welcomed by Blossom Volunteers who provide support and companionship to those receiving end of life care and their loved ones. They help to ensure that, wherever possible, noone dies alone. Jane Arnold said: “The room looks absolutely fantastic, and I know that it will bring great comfort to both the patient and those who find themselves having to say goodbye to their loved ones. I hope this room shows people how important end of life / palliative care is, not just for those who are dying, but for those who are left.”
Annie Tucker, Blossom Service co-ordinator at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance patient care and relatives’ experience for our end-of-life patients and the Blossom Room does exactly that. A huge ‘thank you’ to our donors for making this happen. We really hope we can create more rooms like this for our patients in the future.”
