Wisteria Room opens during Dying Matters Week
Ward 25 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital has opened a newly refurbished end-of-life room, named the Wisteria Room, to provide a peaceful and supportive space for patients receiving palliative care and their families.
Launched during Dying Matters Week, the room was created to offer a quieter, more dignified environment away from the busy ward setting. The wisteria flower symbolises never-ending love and devotion, reflecting the purpose of the space.
The ward, an acute frailty admissions unit caring for older people, recognised the need for a calmer and more supportive environment for patients nearing the end of life and for loved ones spending precious time together.
The room features calming nature-themed wallpaper, LED sky ceiling panels, and a memory board where families can display photographs and messages. Space has also been created for relatives to stay with loved ones during their final days.
The project was made possible through the generous support of our partner Vinci Facilities as part of its Stand Out! Make a Difference (SOMAD) initiative, which enables staff to volunteer their time supporting local community projects. The Vinci team completed the refurbishment free of charge over two days.
The ward team also hopes to introduce additional comforts in the future, including a sleeper chair or bed for overnight stays and memory boxes for families.
Ailah Alvarez, Ward 24 and 25 Manager, said: “We recognised that patients nearing the end of life, and their families, needed a quieter and more supportive environment during an incredibly emotional time.
“The Wisteria Room will provide comfort, dignity and peace for patients and relatives, while helping families feel supported during one of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Special thanks to Jonathan Coiley and Maxine Watson for their support in helping bring the project to life.
“In the hardest moments, families may not remember every word we said, but they will always remember how we made them feel. At the end of life, compassion matters just as much as clinical care, and we hope this room reflects that commitment to our patients and families at LGT.”
