Captain Tom’s ‘wobble room’!
HERO’S £120,000 HELPS RELIEVE STRESS FOR OUR HOSPITAL STAFF
CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore raised more than £120,000 to relieve the stress of Nottinghamshire hospital staff, say health bosses.
The money is also helping to keep patients in touch with their families.
Captain Sir Tom, who raised £33m for NHS charities before his 100th birthday, died on February 2, after being admitted to hospital having tested positive for coronavirus.
Of the money raised, he pledged £122,000 to Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Staff have benefited from health care and the money has helped towards extra psychological support for colleagues and “wobble rooms” for teams caring for patients with Covid-19.
Staff were struggling to find spaces where they could take a break, so the idea of a wobble room – a safe and calm space where they can go for a break during a shift – was dreamed up.
The rooms are equipped with soft mood lighting, a radio, a drinks machine and comfortable furniture
Tina Wright, department sister for critical care, who has used the wobble room herself, said: “It makes a real difference to be able to take that time out and take a few minutes in a calm place to just gather your thoughts and carry on.
“It’s really helped colleagues here in critical care and we would like to say thank you.
“Our thoughts are with Captain Tom’s family at this sad time, but we wanted you to know what a difference he made and is still making across the whole NHS and we are so grateful.”
Colleagues have also been able to access additional psychological support and a range of wellbeing support has been put in place.
The measures include a wellbeing hub, self-care and wellbeing dens and extra rest areas.
The trust’s chief executive, Richard Mitchell, added: “It has obviously been a hugely difficult time for colleagues here at Sherwood and across the whole of the NHS and social care.
“Captain Tom provided funding for additional support when we needed it most and for this we will be forever grateful.
“We will make sure his legacy and memory live on by remembering what he did for the NHS.
“His actions will never be forgotten, as he has made such a difference to so many.”
Captain Sir Tom died at the age of 100 and became a national hero – people across the country clapped for him in a national doorstep tribute.
The union flag on Nottingham’s Council House was flown at halfmast as a mark of respect, while both the building and Wollaton Hall were lit up red, white and blue in his honour.