Families who lose a loved one now have a comfortable space to say their final farewells – thanks to a local NHS charity.
The chapel of rest at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead is the final resting place for those patients who sadly pass away.
QE Charitable Funds, the charity arm of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, has funded a complete refurbishment of the area, making it more comfortable for visitors.
The money has been used to buy new furniture for the chapel and two waiting areas, new curtains for the viewing area, velvet throws, window shutters, pictures to brighten up the walls, as well as new outside seating and planters.
Kerry Maddison, mortuary manager at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “For those friends and family members who have recently lost a loved one, we know that their focus will be on that person and their own feelings of grief and sadness.
“Unfortunately, for some relatives, this area can be one of the places where they spend time in the QE and we want to ensure that the experience is as comfortable for them as it can be during a difficult time.”
Clare King, charitable funds manager, adds: “I’d like to thank every single person who has donated or fundraised for our charity and helped make this renovation possible. The generosity of the public is humbling and we’re proud that we can use their donations to fund something so vital to our patients’ relatives and the local community.”
QE Charitable Funds is at the heart of the Gateshead community and every year thousands of pounds are raised and donated by kind patients, their families, staff and through legacies left to the hospital.
The money is used to purchase things that are above and beyond what the NHS can provide alone, such as additional comforts for patients, enhanced medical equipment, staff education and training or research.