Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Project started
- 01.04.08
- Category
- End-of-life care
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Waiting area before project
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Furnishings create a calm atmosphere
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Suite provides a welcoming waiting area
Project location
Southend University Hospital
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the project was to create a beautiful and functional space to enable the provision of a dedicated bereavement service, including accommodation for the local Registrars, to improve care for the bereaved.
An area adjacent to one of the hospital entrances, where dedicated parking is now provided, was secured and the team’s chosen design maximises the functionality and flow of the space. The suite has been subdivided to provide a welcoming waiting area, with the carpet designed to assist way-finding, and offices for the bereavement coordinator and Registrars, the latter having a separate entrance so a Registration of Births service may be provided in the future.
The sensitive soft colour palette, comfortable furnishings, use of wood and natural materials and evocative local seascape photographs all combine to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere where the bereaved can be respected and valued.
