New palliative care room opened at hospital in Ebbw Vale
Located at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan's Ebbw Ward in Ebbw Vale, the space was formally opened this week and is designed to offer comfort and privacy to families of palliative care patients.
The room was transformed from a small storage area into a dedicated family space through collaboration between ward staff, the Hospice of the Valleys, and the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Funding was provided by the League of Friends, staff donations, and other charitable sources.
Jessica Price, ward sister and manager, said: "I would like to say a special thank you to the Hospice of the Valleys team for their ongoing collaborative work with us.
"We work closely alongside the team who support our palliative patients directly on the ward to build a relationship through to end-of-life care."
The family room allows relatives to remain close to patients receiving end-of-life care and offers a private environment for conversations with clinicians.
Ann Lloyd CBE, chair of the health board, said: "Having this room will without a doubt enhance patient care.
"The staff at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan continue to make a huge difference to the community and the care they give."
The first family to use the space left a message expressing their gratitude.
They wrote: "We were honoured to be the first family in this beautiful space.
"During such a difficult time, the care, kindness, and compassion shown by every member of the staff meant the world to us.
"You don't just care for our loved ones, you cared for us too.
"Thank you for creating an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and warmth.
"We will never forget it."
The opening ceremony was attended by staff, members of the League of Friends including chairman Des Hillman, deputy lord lieutenant Phil Alderman DL, and Ms Lloyd, who officially cut the ribbon.
Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan's Ebbw Ward offers palliative care across eight dedicated beds.
The health board has extended its thanks to everyone involved in creating the new family room.
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