Tullamore Hospital opens new family and relatives' rooms

The Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) has officially opened the Ardan Bluebell Room, Pallas Bluebell Room and ICU Relatives' Room - three newly developed spaces "designed to enhance comfort, privacy and dignity" for patients and families across the hospital.

The new Bluebell Rooms, located on Ardan and Pallas wards, have been completed alongside a refurbished relatives’ room and adjoining waiting corridor in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

A statement issued on behalf of the HSE said that The Bluebell Rooms "provide calm, serene spaces within two busy acute medical wards".

They are designed as multifunctional environments to offer families a private and dignified setting for sensitive conversations with staff, while also providing a peaceful and restful space for family members.

Each room can accommodate up to eight people and can facilitate overnight stays. Facilities include a kitchenette, sofa bed and seating areas.

The HSE said the Ardan Bluebell Room enables staff to support patients and families in a respectful and sensitive manner during difficult and emotional conversations.

The Bluebell Room on Pallas Ward has also been designed as a dementia friendly space, offering patients a comforting environment where they can relax when required. The room incorporates dementia friendly resources and design features to support patients who may find hospital admission disorientating.

The relatives’ room and adjoining waiting corridor in ICU provide a dedicated space for families of patients who are acutely unwell. These spaces allow families to rest during times of uncertainty and facilitate private, compassionate conversations with staff in a dignified environment.

Zara Dagg, End of Life Care Coordinator at MRHT, said: “When creating these rooms, we followed the Irish Hospice Foundation Design and Dignity Guidelines. The Bluebell Rooms and relatives’ rooms are quiet, private spaces where staff can engage in caring and compassionate interactions with patients and their families in the midst of a busy ward.”

The Friends of the Hospital Committee welcomed the opening of the rooms and their role in supporting the project.

“The Friends of the Hospital are pleased to be associated with these projects by committing funds for the provision of dedicated rooms within the hospital to be used as family rooms, and as quiet and dignified spaces to compassionately discuss patient care with patients and their families. The name Bluebell Room was chosen as it symbolises spirituality, healing and everlasting love,” it said.

The Friends of the Hospital worked closely with Zara Dagg to agree requirements and ensure the rooms could be converted into warm and welcoming spaces, incorporating soft furnishings, tea and coffee facilities and eliminating any clinical feel.

The Pallas Bluebell Room’s dementia friendly design was also highlighted by Marian Bracken, Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialist, who said: “This room provides a calm, supportive environment where individuals can feel safe, relaxed and at ease. It offers a peaceful space for people with dementia to step away from the busy ward, unwind, and will be a valuable asset to both the hospital and those in its care.”

Louisea Burke, General Manager of MRHT, said: “Ensuring both the safety and comfort of our patients is a top priority. Family rooms can provide comfort and dignity during times of heightened uncertainty and stress.

“The dementia friendly elements in the Pallas Ward room help reduce barriers to care and create a more positive healthcare experience for those who need additional supports.The management and staff of MRHT sincerely thank the Friends of the Hospital for their generosity and all colleagues who worked together to make these rooms safe, comfortable spaces for patients and families.”