Sky’s the limit: LED ceiling tiles donated to Hartlepool hospital scan room
A Hartlepool NHS charity has allocated fundraising money to improve staff and patient hospital experience.
North Tees and Hartlepool Together, the official charity for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has donated over £50,000 to its staff and patients.
Staff were encouraged to put in applications for the money, all focused on improving wellbeing and patient experience.
Applications ranged from a dementia-friendly resource library to communications devices for patients with speech loss.
Suzi Campbell, fundraising coordinator, said: “Our charity is dedicated to equipping and supporting staff to deliver the highest quality care to the patients and communities we serve.
“This money is an example of how we can achieve our charity ambitions and it is fantastic to see it helping staff and making a real impact in their areas.
“Of course, this couldn’t have happened without the generosity of our fundraisers. It is thanks to their efforts that we are able to offer this opportunity.”
Fundraising efforts that contributed to this included corporate and general donations and events such as Great North Run and Yorkshire Three Peaks.
University Hospital of Hartlepool benefitted from the funding to supply a selection of LED sky image ceiling tiles in the scanning room.
With some scans taking over 30 minutes, the tiles would also improve the image quality of scans due to a reduction in patient movement.
Nicholas Henderson Todd, clinical technologist, said: “This money is going to benefit all of our nuclear medicine imaging patients by providing a nice, calming environment.
“For the majority of our scans, patients have to lie on their back staring at a blank ceiling. This can often be a distressing time and having these tiles will provide a
welcome distraction.
“The kindness of fundraisers has made this possible. Now the patients we treat will be given a welcome boost of light in an otherwise darkened room.”
North Tees and Hartlepool Together is currently recruiting for fundraisers to take part in its 2023 Great North Run and Great North Swim events.
Fundraisers can donate to either specific wards, units or services, personalising their efforts to the hospital site.
To register or for more information, email nth-tr.charity@nhs.net.