This presentation summarizes the refurbishment of the family room in St Brigid's Ward at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The original room was dark, cluttered, and lacked privacy or natural light. Families reported having nowhere private to eat or feel supported during difficult times. The renovated room now has colorful artwork, more lighting, a pull-out sofa bed, and a quiet space for families away from the ward. Feedback on the new room has been extremely positive, with families commenting on how much more comfortable, peaceful and uplifting it feels compared to the original space.

1. Presentation by : Diarmuid Ó Coimín
Project team :
Doreen Steenson, Caroline McMahon, Dorothy O Sullivan, Ronan Rose Roberts
Diarmuid Ó Coimín
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
St Brigids's Ward Family Room
Refurbishment
June 2014

2. 24/09/2012
2
Feedback from Families
“We had to sit in the
main reception area
to eat our food as
there was nowhere
else open or
available. There was
no where we could
go and sit and eat in
private -away from
the bedside”
The room we were told
the bad news in was
dark and drab, there
was no natural light and
it was cluttered.
We were waiting on
the corridor to see
our mother who was
dying. We felt
exposed. It was like
a fish bowl.
Everyone could see
we were upset and
that someone was
dying belonging to
us. There was no
privacy

3. 3
Room – before
refurbishment

4. 4
Photo’s of Room before refurbishment…

5. Architect’s drawings…

6. 6
Official opening 27TH April 2012

7. Entrance to Family room – A splash of colour
7

8. 8
A mortuary that inspires fear…
A Family Room that inspires hope…

9. 9
A Family Room that promotes privacy, comfort and warmth….

10. 10
Key Learning :

11. 11
St Brigids ward family room – June 2014

12. From Sofa to bed …. If a family member needs to stay
overnight at short notice

13. 13
Feedback……
“The family room is
a wonderful addition
to the ward, there
was nowhere to relax
when I was here- the
pictures are beautiful
and a great addition
to the room. Well
done on all the great
work”
“The Colour and
pictures in the room
just lift my mood”
“You
can get
away
from it all
in here”
“Relatives who have
used the room have
frequently
commented on how
quiet it is and
described it as a
wonderful space, and
how different it is to
the rest of the ward.”
“It’s great that
you can make a
cup of tea without
having to
interrupt the
nursing staff-
who are so busy”

14. We would sincerely like to ‘Thank’ the HSE and the
Irish Hospice Foundation for providing us with the
Design and Dignity Grant to enhance this room for
patients and families .