Appeal to fund haven for families at hospital

The appeal aims to raise £100,000 for a new family room

A hospital trust has launched a £100,000 appeal in the hope of funding a dedicated haven for patients' relatives at one of its sites.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said the dedicated SWAN room would be at the New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

SWAN is a model of care used when approaching end-of-life and bereavement care, standing for signs, words, actions and needs.

"The proposed space is currently occupied by three storage rooms, which could be converted into a single, private space for the loved ones of those patients receiving SWAN care in the last days of life in hospital," said Dr Hannah Jones, consultant in palliative medicine.

"This improvement will enhance the experience at a difficult time. The space would provide a calm and peaceful space for loved ones to take a break from the busy ward environment."

The fundraising appeal has been launched by the hospital's specialist palliative care team, which provides support to patients facing life-limited illness, as well as those in their final days of life.

"End-of-life care needs to be centred around dignity and compassion, and this room is a much-needed addition to the hospital but we need to raise funds to cover the cost of building work and the homely touches needed to make it a comfortable space," added Dr Jennens.

The trust's charity, Your RWTC, has appealed to businesses in the area for financial help, and said it would look to organise fundraising events as well.