The Visitors’ Loo in Critical Care, University Hospital of Wales

During the pandemic, Daring to Dream was able to achieve the makeover of the Relatives’ Room and the Quiet Room in Critical Care.

Louise Lloyd, whose husband Greg sadly passed away in August 2022 got in touch with us later last year to say: “I just want to thank your fantastic charity for providing a space that really supported us all when we spent 5 days on the Critical Care ward, University Hospital of Wales. As a very close family, up to 11 of us were present in the transformed Relatives’ Room on occasions. During the most difficult week, we were so grateful to be in such a supportive space, close to my husband and be able to await news as opposed to being further away in the hospital with no privacy or worse still being miles away at home”.

Through many conversations with Louise we have been made aware of the need to also refurbish the ‘companion loo’ to the Relatives’ Room. The visitors’ loo is not only a practical and essential space but actually is a place for someone to have some personal time in.

Dr Julie Highfield, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lead Psychologist for the ICU and MTC Psychology Team, University Hospital of Wales, said: “In the hustle and bustle of a busy intensive care unit, the loo can be a moment of sanctuary to gather your thoughts and right yourself. We are grateful to Daring to Dream and Louise Lloyd and her family and friends for helping that to become a reality for our visitors.”

Since meeting Louise, Daring to Dream has been working together with Critical Care Directorate, with the health board’s Estates’ as well as with Louise and her family to progress what is quite a challenging, but so important project.

We are hopeful that this work will now be completed in October or November 2023.