New carers' area at Redditch's Alex Hospital (From Redditch Advertiser)

New carers' area at Redditch's Alex Hospital

4:40pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Local

AS part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s commitment to ensuring carers are treated with dignity and respect and supported to continue their caring role, a new carers’ area has been created at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital.

Two new carers’ respite rooms have been created for carers to have somewhere private, comfortable and self-contained to relax. This initiative was made possible thanks to generous donations from the hospital’s League of Friends.

Looking after someone whether they are family, friends or a neighbour can be very satisfying but it can leave people feeling isolated, stressed or exhausted.

Carers often choose to remain with the person they care for while they are in hospital but can also need a break from the ward environment. The new area provides people with a place to have a break from their responsibilities.

Dedicated carer support workers are also available across the trust to provide carers with support.

This new facility was opened by Frances Martin, hospital director, Karl Bell, associate medical director, Joan Muir, senior capacity manager, and Pat Hadley, League of Friends chair.

Matron Jane Rutter said “I’m so pleased we now have this much needed facility. It is so good to have a dedicated room where carers can go to for a break away from the ward and for relatives to have some privacy in times of need.”

Pat Hadley said: “This is just one of the many causes we help the hospital to achieve, in total over £4,000 has been donated to help furnish and redecorate these carers’ rooms.

“They will be hugely beneficial to all carers who spend so much time here. As a carer myself I know the value of a space to clear your head and relax. These rooms will certainly be well used.”