19 April 2022

Low sensory room legacy for neurology centre

Thanks to legacy donations in memory of Emma Skirton, a former patient, the creation of low sensory rooms has now been turned into a reality for Southampton’s Wessex Neurological Centre.

Gail Doran, Care Group Manager, says; “At University Hospital Southampton, as with many hospital settings, the neuroscience wards can often be busy and noisy, with lots of activities taking place at the same time. For patients who are recovering from an injury or surgery to their brain, this can be especially disorientating and unsettling.

For a long time, we wanted to have a bed space where we can place some of our patients who would benefit from being in a quieter setting as part of their recovery. This year, we were finally able to realise this wish, thanks to a legacy made to Southampton Hospitals Charity.

The first of three side rooms have been refurbished and decorated in a more individual style with colours and themes suggested by the family in memory of their daughter.

As soon as the room was re-opened, we immediately placed a patient in there. It has been in constant use ever since, with incredibly positive feedback from patients and their families.

In addition to functioning as a low stimulation space, we have also been proud to offer this area to patients who are approaching their end of life. This calm, peaceful room enables patients to spend quiet time with their loved ones.

As part of the refurbishment, we were able to buy a specialist chair that reclines to a flat bed. This means a loved one to stay with the patient and is something that has been gratefully received.

Our team on D Neuro are delighted to have this space to offer to patients and it has helped to better manage our ward and the experience of all our patients.

At the heart of it though, these rooms will stand as a testament to the memory of a daughter, sister, and friend. Through the family’s support, we have been able to improve the experiences of many families who find themselves in our care.

We are planning to complete two more rooms by the end of spring so that we can have this invaluable space available in each of our ward areas. This means we can support many more patients and their families in the months and years to come.

Donating in memory of a loved one is a difficult choice, but it really can create an impact that lasts for generations.”

Discover more about in memory giving or leaving a Gift in your Will here.