On 23rd May, we officially opened two new bereavement rooms at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, located at the general intensive therapy and cardiac intensive therapy units. Bereavement rooms like these have been an integral part of 2wish’s service since our inception in 2012. And whilst no facilities can lessen the grief and anguish bereaved families may feel, these rooms do offer a private and comforting space, where loved ones can wait for news, and when necessary, be together to say their final goodbyes.
The rooms have been refurbished and fitted out with new furniture, providing a safe sanctuary for families who have suffered a bereavement at the hospital, thanks to the help of South Wales-based EBM Group and Space Group, from Gloucester.
EBM Group owner Gethin Edwards is himself a bereaved uncle and his family was supported by 2wish at their time of need. He saw this as his way of giving back and helping others who have been through what his own family has.
Gethin said: “I had to witness the traumatic moment my brother and his wife were told the heart-wrenching news that no parent wants to hear about their 13-year-old son, my nephew. They received bereavement boxes from 2wish and their support and counselling has been a constant source of comfort to them.
At the opening, Rebecca Williams, Senior Nurse at Morriston Hospital’s ICU talked about how a space like this is vital for families who have gone through the trauma of losing a loved one suddenly.
She said: “We now have a calm and peaceful space for relatives to relax during some of the most difficult times.”
Ricardo Goncalves from the ITU Outreach Team added: “The space has been completely transformed, providing a real escape from the clinical environment.”
Our Founder and CEO Rhian Mannings MBE as always is incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by EBM and Space Group in enabling us to provide areas such as these for grieving families. “Families facing difficult times need to be able to sit together in non-clinical surroundings with access to the loved one that has passed away. We are so grateful to have the generous support of these companies. By working together with such companies, hospital staff and families, we have created a place that we know will help so many.”
Ian Bidmead, Managing Director of Space Group, explained why his company supports 2wish: “Space Group is delighted to support another refurbishment of two ITU rooms at Morriston Hospital. The work that the team at 2wish carry out to support families during their darkest time, as well as the help and training given to hospital staff is truly inspiring, and it’s a charity that Space is very proud to support in whatever way we can.”
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