Receiving bad news about your child’s health can be the most horrible thing a parent can imagine.
For parents with children in hospital for a few days or weeks, or long-term parents enduring months of uncertainty, a private, suitable space in which news like this could be broken was desperately needed at King’s.
Thanks to a comprehensive renovation project, the newly refurbished quiet room on the Princess Elizabeth and Lion Children's Ward has been transformed from a tiny, overlooked space into a serene and calming haven for families in their most challenging times.
Here, clinicians and parents can discuss their child’s care and, for some parents, the most difficult and heartbreaking news.
Previously, there was no dedicated, private space for parents to discuss their child’s treatment with clinical staff. Staff on the ward had to use whatever room was available at the time. This meant that parents were hearing sometimes difficult news in an environment unfit to support them with processing this news.
Families on the ward selected soft, muted colours to go with the furnishings and gentle dimmable lighting was used so families can sit in the room in gentle lighting long after the clinical conversation is over.
Families and staff spoke of the importance of touch and parents being able to hold each other, so a small sofa was purchased instead of individual chairs to allow parents and families to sit and hold one another.
Kevin Farrell, Paediatric Matron told us: “This room is of such benefit. It has made a huge difference to staff, patients and their families."
This room is a testament to the strength of families and the compassion of those who care for them. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we're giving families a space to find solace, strength, and comfort when they need it most”.
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