The work was carried out thanks to the kind help of 2wish Cymru, a charity which offers immediate and ongoing support to those affected by the traumatic and sudden losses of children and young people aged 25 and under.
The rooms offer a refuge to those who spend hours on end by the bedsides of their loved ones being cared for by the unit’s dedicated teams of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
The makeovers have seen complete redecorations with new artworks and furniture, including comfortable stylish seating, tea-making facilities, and a widescreen television.
Jane Powell (above right with Helen Thomas, ICU matron), 2wish’s support coordinator, said:
“Our founder, Rhian Mannings, sadly lost her son in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and that was the first bereavement suite that was refurbished.
“Since then she has made it her, and the charity’s, mission to make available places throughout Wales for bereaved families or those who are suffering or having bad news.
“We’ve worked with two companies, EDM and Base Group, which provided their time and design services to refurbish the two rooms, as well as money for furniture.
“The idea was to make them a much more welcoming, cosy environment for family members.”
ITU matron, Helen Thomas, was joined by staff members for the unveiling and said:
“We are extremely grateful to 2wish Cymru.
“It will make a huge difference to our families, having somewhere nice, serene and comfortable to come. They spend a lot of hours sat out here, unfortunately, while we are trying to save their relatives.
“Sometimes that’s not possible and they have to come to terms with that news here. Just to have pleasant surroundings, just to make it even a little bit better, in the worst time of their lives, is appreciated.”
[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]
