WARD 12 at the Alexandra Hospital was a place of reflection and happy memories on Tuesday (November 3) as a dedicated end-of-life suite was opened in honour of a former patient.
The Stephen Bayley Suite was officially opened by the Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Pattie Hill, who was joined in the celebrations by medical staff, Mr Bayley’s family and his friends.
The suite will be used to help take families away from the busy environment of the wards and will allow staff to deliver the best possible care for patients nearing the end of their life.
Sol Jeewa, ward manager, said: “We try and discharge patients to their homes or an appropriate care facility, but this isn’t always possible.
“In these cases the Stephen Bayley Suite will make a huge difference to their end-of-life experience – we know it’s a difficult time for everyone involved and that being in a busy hospital environment isn’t ideal which is why we have created this separate, dedicated space for patients to spend time with their loved ones.”
The suite brought back fond memories for Mayor Hill who said she learnt a lot as a young girl from her mother who was an end-of-life care nurse.
“My mom always told me that someone’s last day should be as important as their christening,” she said.
“I can see that commitment being followed by the hospital staff involved in the opening of this new suite, which is going to be a wonderful addition to the hospital in Redditch.”
Two of Mr Bayley’s three children attended the opening and his son, Stuart, said the care his father received during his five-month stay in the Alex was excellent.
“Dad was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital following a fall he had at home and we were moved to see how much the staff cared for him.
“He would’ve been so overwhelmed by this honour, and on his behalf I would like to thank all the staff involved in his care and everyone involved in creating this wonderful suite in him memory.”
Mr Bayley’s friend, David Manners, added how touched he was by the decision to name the suite after his dear friend.
“They don’t make lovely people like him anymore – he was my hero,” he said.
