Fundraiser for safe space for end-of-life relatives

A team of nurses dedicated to looking after people at the end of their lives are hoping to raise funds to create a room specifically for families of patients.

The palliative care team at New Cross Hospital are set to host a summer ball in a bid to reach their £100,000 target.

Funds would go toward building a room for loved ones of those who are receiving end-of-life care at the Wolverhampton hospital.

"It would be a designated space where they can go take some time and get a drink, away from all the hustle and bustle of the ward," Rebecca Wilson-Wall, a specialist palliative care nurse said.

Initial designs for the space feature a kitchen and seating area to create more comfortable surroundings.

"It's something we witness as a team that's missing. We often find relatives standing in the corridor crying after receiving bad news," added Wilson-Wall.

"When people have died or are in the process of dying, it's difficult to witness these families having nowhere to go.

"SWAN is the acronym that guides the care we offer to patients and families at the end of life - ensuring that the care offered is holistic and patient centred."

It stands for signs, words, actions and needs and forms the name of the fundraising event, Swan Summer Ball, which will be held on 13 June at the Willow in Willenhall.

The venue has donated the space for free to help towards the goal.

The team has been running for 26 years and supports up to 45 patients at a time across New Cross Hospital, West Park Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital.

So far, their fundraising efforts have reached £15,000 and have included climbing Snowdon, multiple bake sales and a Christmas fayre with a dragon boat race coming up next month.

Up to half of the ticket sales for the ball will go towards The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity towards the project.

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