FORCE funds oncology quiet room makeover

The quiet room in the Oncology Outpatients Department at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital has been given a makeover thanks to support from FORCE Cancer Charity and donations from patients and their families.

The room is an important space for patients and relatives, particularly those who have just been diagnosed with cancer, to talk with their consultant or specialist nurse in peace and privacy.

However, after many years of constant use, the room’s furnishings were beginning to look tired and the lighting was stark and unwelcoming.refurbished-oncology-room-copy-2000x1328

With funding from FORCE and the help of Annalisa Patient and Emma Hayter from local interior design company DUO Interiors, the Oncology Team began the room’s refurbishment with patient feedback on proposed changes.

The room is now an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the busy clinical area.

Interior Designer Emma Hayter from Duo explained: “I was asked to create a timeless space for families, patients and staff to go to, which would offer a comfortable, relaxed environment. I worked closely with Helen the Matron, to ensure all the teams’ ideas were considered and the brief was met accordingly. I was pleased that the design of the room was successful and well received. It was an honour for Duo to work on such a project.”_dsc2572-copy-2000x1328

Helen Daggar, Matron on Cherrybrook Unit, said: “The room is now a calming, pleasant space in which difficult conversations can take place. We are so grateful to FORCE and all the patients and their families who donated funds to help make this possible.”

Meriel Fishwick, Chief Executive of FORCE Cancer Charity said: “We are really pleased to have been able to contribute to the refurbishment of the quiet room. At FORCE we recognise the importance of providing a place that feels calm and welcoming for patients and their families at times that can be very distressing.”

  • Our picture at the top of the page shows (left to right) Annalisa Patient and Emma Hayter from DUO Interiors, Sarah Daniels, Head of Income Generation at FORCE, Helen Daggar, Matron on Cherrybrook Ward, and Annie Kerr, FORCE Support and Information Manager.