Two new family rooms open at Tullamore Hospital
Two newly-developed family rooms at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore were officially opened yesterday (Thursday).
The rooms consist of a sensory room located in the hospital's Emergency Department, and the 'Bluebell Room' located on Clonmacnoise Ward.
The purpose of the family and sensory room in the Emergency Department was described by the hospital as multifunctional.
As a sensory room, it is a safe space reducing environmental triggers and minimising undesirable sensory stimuli for susceptible patients during their stay in the department.
The need for this sensory space was identified with the growing number of children and adults in Ireland being diagnosed with sensory needs, along with patients with Dementia.
As a family room, it is also used for having conversations with families in a private, dignified environment.
Ann Bugler, staff nurse at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, was part of the team who took on this project as a service improvement initiative.
"This Family Room, in particular the designated sensory area, will enhance our ability to complete more compliant comprehensive assessments and examinations in a more comforting environment for patients," she said.
"When children or adults with sensory needs have to go to the ED for medical care they can find it overwhelming with noise, lighting, smells and the sheer volume of people and equipment.
"Data shows us that adults and children with autism have higher attendances to the ED when compared with their peers without autism.
"The multifunction purpose of this room means that this area is individualised as much as possible based on each patient’s needs. In particular, it will be used to optimise patient comfort, dignity and respect for their condition or situation.
"The room was completed by the addition of new flooring and furnishings which were kindly funded by the Friends of the Hospital Committee."
Breda Murray, Chairperson, Laois Offaly Families For Autism stated: "The sensory room will help many people with an autism diagnosis, sensory needs or an intellectual disability and their families when they have to go to hospital in an emergency.
"It can be an anxious time for such children when they go to hospital, and this room will help promote emotional regulation and address sensory needs thus reducing anxiety so they can access treatment in a way that is not frightening for them. Simple changes make a big difference," said Breda.
'The Bluebell Room', meanwhile, is described as "a beautiful serene space in the midst of a very busy acute Medical ward".
The room will primarily be used for meetings with patients and families, but will also provide family members with a peaceful and restful space.
The room can accommodate up to eight people comfortably and can facilitate overnight stays. It includes a kitchenette, sofa bed and seating areas.
Zara Dagg, End of Life Care Coordinator at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said: "When creating the room we followed the Irish Hospice Foundation Design and Dignity Guidelines.
"The Bluebell Room is a quiet and private room in which staff can engage in caring and compassionate interactions with patients and family members in the midst of a busy ward."
The Friends of the Hospital Committee stated that it was pleased to be associated with this project by committing funds for the provision of a dedicated room in the hospital to be used as a family room and also for the purpose of having a quiet and dignified space to discuss patient care with patients and their families.
The name Bluebell Room was chosen as it symbolises spirituality, healing and everlasting love.
The Friends of the Hospital worked closely with Ms Zara Dagg in agreeing the requirements to ensure that the room could be converted to a warm and welcoming space, with soft furnishings, tea and coffee facilities, and also to ensure that there was no clinical feel to the room.
A piece of Glass Art was also commissioned for the room and was designed to create "a sense of peace and calm" there.
Catriona Mc Donald, General Manager for Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore stated: "Commitment to ensuring the safety and also comfort of our patients is a top priority for those in our care.
"It's really important that we provide services, facilities and environments that are less clinical and can support our patients and staff feel comfortable and at ease.
"A sensory room decreases barriers for care and can create a positive healthcare experience, a family room can provide comfort and dignity for family members in a time of heightened uncertainty and stress.
"The Management and staff of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore thank the support and funding received from Friends of the Hospital and all our colleagues who worked together to make the two new rooms safe comfortable spaces for patients."