Making a difference in Horton theatres
21/02/2019
This article is more than five years old.
Horton General Hospital Charity has recently funded improvements for patients and staff in the theatres - refurbishing the theatres' staff room and kitchen, replacing the furniture in the relatives' room and funding artwork for the ceilings in the pre-op room to distract and calm patients as they go under anaesthetic before surgery.
Douglas Graham, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "It's a demanding job working in theatres and these are truly dedicated teams, so we have been delighted to be able to fund these important improvements. We know they are already making a big difference to the staff as well as making the hospital experience that little bit easier for patients. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have donated to help make this all possible."
Karen Wentworth-Foster, anaesthetics lead for Horton theatres, is thrilled with the support.
She told us: "The ceiling art is fantastic because it gives patients something to focus on as they go under anaesthetic - we have brought the outside inside by using the seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter, and it really does brighten the department up and help patients relax."
"We are also thrilled with the improvements to the staff room. It is important because there isn't much time for staff to go to the hospital restaurant to take a break or have some food. The old kitchen and staff room were really tatty and a bit demoralising for staff really.
"The support from the hospital charity allowed us to have a new kitchen, with simple things like a decent fridge and kettle, and also comfortable and bright furnishings for the staff room.
"These may seem like little things, but the boost to staff morale has been really noticeable, so we are incredibly grateful to the kind people who have made donations to make this possible."
The ceiling art was created by artist Gunilla Treen and each set of tiles is themed by season.
Simple improvements like this are only possible thanks to your support.
If you'd like to know more about how you, your business, group or society can help make a difference at the Horton, please visit www.hortoncharity.co.uk or call 01865 743444.