Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had already worked with Macmillan to provide high quality palliative care rooms across its hospitals, but recognised our Wansbeck Hospital site, which covers a large geographical area, lacked any dedicated facilities for relatives of those receiving palliative care.
The multidisciplinary project team found a suitable site at the end of the main corridor, where medical staff had previously had their on-site accommodation. The aim was to create an oasis where relatives could rest and refresh themselves, to encourage them to stay for longer periods at the hospital with their loved ones.
The design of the area was shaped through wide consultation with relatives, including those who had recently been bereaved. Fundraising efforts were extensive. Uplifting events spread the word about the team’s work and raised the profile of not only the project but the organisation. People felt able to talk about dying.
Today, new flooring leads to the entrance door to The Oasis. Through the door visitors get a glimpse of a large space, decorated in warm, autumnal tones. Once inside, there is a small kitchen area designed as the hub of the scheme and an area for dining or tea and coffee to enable relatives to take refreshments away from public areas. Comfortable recliner chairs are placed at the quieter end of the room so that people can stay overnight if they wish and a high quality en suite bathroom has been provided so people can take a shower. A ramp ensures that everyone can access the private outside space.
Outside, one wall provides photographic images of the Northumbrian landscape, while lighting highlights the planting in the evenings. ‘Experiencing a common circumstance or being in a common predicament can be a powerful component of healing’ (Robinson 1998). A relative’s book is there to record the thoughts of families during their stay in Oasis should they choose to share them.
This book has already recorded many pages of positive comments with regards to the benefit of the new environment and the calm and comfort that is to be found there.
“A wonderful addition to the hospital where relatives can relax and unwind for a short while. Many thanks”
“The Oasis is what every hospital needs – I have spent many hours here just enjoying the peace and quiet while my Mum was cared for upstairs. Thank-you to all involved”
“A calming and peaceful place to gather as a family and speak in private and have time out of the ward environment. It provided us all with a place to gather our thoughts and helped us get through a very emotional and sad time.”
“Oasis enabled family members to be present around the clock without the added stress of trips home for showers and food”