MP for North West Norfolk Sir Henry Bellingham cut the ribbon to officially open the refurbished Stroke Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.
West Raynham Ward has undergone a 10-week refurbishment programme to create a lighter and brighter environment for patients and their families.
Mr Bellingham and Hospital Chief Executive Dorothy Hosein officially opened the new-look ward during a ceremony, which was attended by staff, governors, former patients along with colleagues from The Friends of the Stroke Unit and The Stroke Association on Monday.
While cutting the ribbon Mr Bellingham said: “This does give me a huge amount of pride and sense of privilege to open the Stroke Unit.
“This is an impressive facility and the refurbishment has been done to a high standard.
“I would like to thank the staff for their commitment and passion. They and the patients they treat deserve the best.”
West Raynham now has a reception as a result of the renovation programme along with two meeting rooms to offer greater privacy for patients and their families.
The needs of the patients have been at the heart of the refurbishment. Some stroke patients may have aphasia following a stroke, which can result in difficulties with speaking, writing, understanding speech and reading.
The ward now has colour coded bays to help reduce disorientation along with symbols on signs to aid those who have difficulties understanding signs along with a number of communication folders.
The ward will also be decorated by pictures which have been created by stroke survivors who attend an art group run by the Stroke Association. These pictures have been kindly donated with the aim of giving patients hope for the future.
Chief Executive Dorothy Hosein thanked Friends of the Stroke Unit along with The Stroke Association for their continued support.
She said: “One of the things which come through time and time again is that this is a community hospital and how we collaborate as a community to make it better for our staff, the community and most importantly the patients.
“I am so thrilled that we have had the opportunity to create this fantastic facility for the patients and the staff who work here.
“A stroke can happen to any of us at any time and that is why it is important that the consultants, nurses and therapists are so passionate.”
The opening was attended by former patients Jason Clifton, who suffered a stroke at the age of 36, and Angela Snagg, who has recently been discharged from West Raynham.
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Pictures:
West Raynham 1:
North West Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham cuts the ribbon while former patient Angela Snagg and Hospital Chief Executive Dorothy Hosein
West Raynham 2:
MP Sir Henry Bellingham is joined by consultant Raj Shekhar, nursing staff, former patients along with representatives from The Stroke Association and Friends of the Stroke Unit.
West Raynham 3:
Director of Nursing Catherine Morgan with former patient Jason Clifton, Chief Nurse Andy Evans, Clinical Coordinator Sarah Pease and Paula Marquez
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