Emergency Department Staff Facilities Enhanced by Charity Funding

22 August 2024
St George's Emergency Department Sign.jpg

St George's Hospital Charity has recently invested significantly to improve the staff facilities used by the dedicated staff of the Emergency Department (ED) by funding much needed upgrades to their changing facilities and rooms.

One of the key areas of improvement is the refurbishment of the ED staffroom. With a total investment of £8,882, the charity has transformed this space into a more welcoming and comfortable environment. The staffroom now features new dining booths, tables, and chairs, and has been equipped with modern benching and bar stools. These updates replace the previously uncomfortable, broken, and damaged furniture, providing a clean, tidy, and relaxing space for staff to take their breaks. 

"The new furniture, combined with fresh paint, new flooring, and an updated kitchen, has created a more calming environment for our staff to rest in during their breaks," the grant report noted.  

This transformation has been warmly received by the ED staff, who now have a dedicated area where they can recharge and take a moment away from the high-pressure environment of the emergency department. 

In addition to the staffroom upgrades, St George's Hospital Charity has allocated £10,811.32 to complete the refurbishment of the changing rooms within the emergency department. 

This funding will go towards installing rails and shelves, hangers and hooks, oak benches and shoe racks. These improvements will provide ED staff with safe, clean, and appropriate areas to store their personal belongings. 

The Charity's commitment to enhancing these facilities underscores its recognition of the importance of providing a supportive and comfortable environment for hospital staff across St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  

Over 300 emergency department staff will benefit from the upgraded changing rooms and break rooms. The Emergency Department at St George’s Hospital is one of the largest in the country and was the production location for the Channel 4 documentary series 24 Hours in A&E for eight years (between 2014 and 2022). 

Alongside the major trauma team at St George’s the emergency department has also featured as part of Channel 4’s Emergency, a documentary series focused on London's major trauma network – of which St George’s is a part of. 

Jenni Doman, Deputy Group Chief Officer, Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment for GESH, said: “The emergency department have waited patiently for their turn for refurbished facilities, and thanks to funding from the Charity they will have access to modern, well-equipped spaces that meet their needs.” 

Vivien Gunn, Head of Grants at St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “These improvements mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to support the hardworking staff at St George's Hospital, enabling them to continue delivering exceptional care to patients while also taking care of their own wellbeing.” 

St George's Hospital Charity remains dedicated to funding projects that enhance the hospital environment for both staff and patients alike. You can help us fund projects like these by committing to a monthly donation. 

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