A ROOM in Barnsley Hospital has been repurposed for loved ones of patients at the site’s respiratory ward to speak privately with staff.
The room was previously used for staff training but, after lead nurse Paula Barber had conversations with family and friends of patients, it was found there was no appropriate environment for staff to speak with them.
The respiratory ward saw many patients with acute illness throughout the pandemic.
Paula said: “Relatives now have space and time to take in new information in a private and quiet environment, something which is not always possible in a busy clinical area.
“Coming into the ward environment can be quite overwhelming, especially at a time when you have questions and concerns about how your relative is doing.
“This new space gives us a chance to speak sensitively and privately to people at what can often be a very difficult time for them.
“It’s an opportunity to have a drink and take time to collect their thoughts.”
