A log cabin that provides a haven for relatives at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.
The cabin, which was originally opened in 2006, has been a home away from home for relatives of patients receiving their care on Shouldham and other wards within the hospital for 13 years and has been fitted with a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, furniture and interiors throughout.
The aim of the refurbishment is to set the cabin up for the next ten years so the facility can continue to provide for up to two families at a time, sleeping up to four people if required.
A donation of £135,000 from Blackborough End resident Raymond Dent enabled the cabin to be opened in 2006 to allow families some quiet time, the ability to cook and prepare meals, to wash and freshen up and provide rest and relaxation.
The money came from Mr Dent’s will, which he left for good causes, with his lifelong friend Leonard Rudd acting as Executor for the will and providing the money to the hospital.
Mr Rudd said: “I am really pleased with the work that has been done on the log cabin for the refurbishment. I think it has made a real difference.”
Visitors from as far afield as South Africa have used the cabin, which provides a home away from home in a relaxed and tranquil environment, while enabling families to stay close to loved ones at the hospital.
Over its lifetime, the cabin has been used for more than its intended purposes, which include a family party, post wedding celebrations, a wedding anniversary and a 40th birthday gathering all for end of life patients.
The cabin has received many positive comments from visitors, including how it was a god send, a wonderful facility and helped them through a crisis situation.
Professor Steve Barnett, Chairman of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Trust, said: “It is a real pleasure to be here at the reopening of the log cabin, which makes such a difference to the lives of families and patients here at the hospital.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in the building, refurbishment and running of this wonderful facility.”
Caroline Shaw, CEO of Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This will make a huge difference to families and patients and it is actually only when your family is going through something like this that you realise that you need a facility like this at the hospital and it will make a real difference.”
Nicola Whales, Ward Manager for Cancer care, said: “It is absolutely amazing we have this facility. It is so beneficial to patients, it is used for end-of-life patient’s families, meaning the whole family can stay and be close to our patients as such a difficult time.”
—ENDS—
Photo from left to right: Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Rudd, Professor Steve Barnett, Chairman, Nicola Whales, Ward Manager for Cancer Care
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