Each year West Suffolk Hospital cares for over 1000 palliative care admissions and today, approximately 25 patients will need the help of the end of life services.
These patients are looked after by a dedicated team made up of two consultants and five palliative care specialist nurses.
End of life patients were cared for with no dedicated space to allow for privacy and time with those who matter.
Now, end of life patients are cared for with a dedicated space to allow for privacy and time with those who matter.
Our vision was to create a garden with a glass-fronted building which could accommodate a patient. The area now allows the patient and their loved ones to spend quality time together, away from the hustle and bustle of the wards, as they prepare to say goodbye. It provides an area for quiet contemplation, peaceful reflection and privacy for all.
Children can play, pets can visit and memories to treasure can be made at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
The Butterfly Garden provides a peaceful haven away from the busy ward, there is space for family and friends to spend quality time together and enable children and pets to visit. It also provides a vital space for staff to hold difficult conversations.
The garden is full of sensory plants and kindly managed by one of the wonderful hospital volunteers. . It was specially designed to allow for easy movement of the patient in their specialist wheelchair, so they can also enjoy the outside space.
The building has large glass doors which open to make the space feel part of the garden. There is calming light, music, a TV; everything needed to make it a comfortable environment for all.
These things will provide an area which doesn't feel like a hospital, but a beautiful place to provide sanctuary at a difficult time.
Huge thanks to all those involved in this project including:
Den Humphries from Out Of Our Tree
Jane Harman and Neptune Bury St Edmunds
Mike Wells and AJ Joinery
Charlie, Michael, Stacey and Ian from the Trust
The garden will provide:
a peaceful haven away from the busy ward
space for families to spend quality time together
pets to be able to visit for the last time
space for staff to have difficult conversations with loved ones
a tranquil outside space for patients in their bed
Click here to read more about the appeal and how we have already enhanced the care for end of life patients and their loved ones at West Suffolk Hospital My WiSH Charity's Butterfly Appeal
We still support palliative care across the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. We provide comfort packs, chair beds so loved ones can stay the night, special bears and blankets. We work closely with the palliative care team to support whatever they need to support you.
You can donate to the Butterfly Fund via our website www.mywishcharity.co.uk/donate
Appeal launch photo: Palliative care nurses Marie Rees, Liz Eagles and Sam Hobson with head of fundraising Sue Smith, appeal manager Sally Daniels and Chester the poodle!
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
