CARERS visiting the Alexandra Hospital to look after their loved ones now have two newly refurbished rooms available to retreat to for some time out.

The Carers’ Suites have recently undergone a refurbishment and are now more calming, restful environments which aim to provide a home from home experience.

The rooms include a toilet, shower and facilities to make drinks, giving carers a space for some respite should they need it.

Linda Price, lead nurse for patient experience, said: "Coming to hospital can be a frightening and overwhelming experience especially if a patient is suffering from cognitive impairment or is at a palliative care stage of their life. Making a space for care and closeness is an important part of providing patients and their carers an improved experience.

"We know that patients adapt better to being in hospital if their carer can stay with them for as long as possible – therefore it’s very important that we are able to offer an opportunity for carers to look after themselves a little too. We encourage carers to take breaks, go for a walk, or get a cup of tea or coffee and take some time out in the carers’ rooms, and staff are available to talk things through and give support."

Worcestershire Association of Carers (WAC) work closely with the Trust and were on hand to help celebrate the opening of the new rooms.

Carole Cumino, WAC chief executive, said: "We are delighted to see these rooms being used by carers. Three in five of us will become a carer in our lifetime and there are approximately 63,000 unpaid carers in Worcestershire – a figure which is expected to increase by 60 per cent by 2030. This facility in our local hospital is a really important part of caring for a loved-ones during a hospital stay."

The reopening of the rooms for carers is part of the Trust’s commitment to improving standards of dignity.

Access to a Carers’ Suite can be arranged by speaking to the ward manager.