March 15th, 2023

Cardiothoracic Surgery and Respiratory Medicine, through Matron Helen Munday, applied for funding for discharge lounge furniture and the Guild was glad to help through the award of a grant.

Helen said: “We are seeking to improve the experience for our cardiac surgical patients at the time of their discharge. We intend to use a designated Discharge Lounge which is situated outside the main ward area on the 4th Floor and I am seeking grant funding to purchase furniture for this lounge. The lounge can accommodate up to 10 patients who are awaiting discharge from hospital but we currently only have two comfortable chairs for the patients. I wish to purchase a further eight chairs and five tables.

“Moving patients from the ward area to the discharge lounge enables us to have beds ready sooner to accept admissions and, in particular, step-down patients from the intensive care area, so overall, patient flow is improved. From a patient experience perspective, we often have feedback from patients that their discharge has been a lengthy process from the time they are informed that they are to be discharged to the actual time that they leave the hospital. By having this well-equipped facility with dedicated staff, there will be a greater focus on improving patient experience at the time of their discharge, away from the busy ward activity where there are multiple distractions. Patients will have a comfortable, quiet and calm environment in which they can stay whilst undergoing the final checks for discharge.”

The team chose some stylish designs to suit their purpose. Delivery took eight weeks but it was worth the wait, as they were very pleased with the items when they arrived. As a result, the lounge is a very pleasant and comfortable space where patients can spend the time required while their discharge procedures are completed.

Helen said: “We have had such positive feedback from the patients about how lovely the room is and how it all smells so new! Patients have found it very comfortable and one has just said to me that it is far nicer than having to wait on the ward. Once we get our drinks trolley in there, they won’t want to leave!!”