Thanks to a generous donation from NHS Charities Together, hospital charity Leeds Hospitals Charity have been able to fund a newly refurbished staff room opening on the critical care unit at St James’s Hospital this week.

The refurbishment was funded by Leeds Cares thanks to a contribution from Sir Captain Tom Moore’s amazing fundraising efforts which raised an astonishing £32.8 million for the NHS.

Despite the pandemic, the refurbishment has completely revitalised the staff room and has given staff supporting critically ill patients a space to rest and recuperate during these extremely challenging times.

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Read more: NHS Charities Together - Our partnership

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Jane Atkins, Unit Matron on Critical Care Wards 54 and 53 at St James Hospital, said: “We can’t thank Leeds Hospitals Charity and NHS Charities Together enough for their amazing generosity and work they’ve put in to bring this project to life.

As you can imagine, things are extremely difficult for us at the moment, as we continue to support those in critical care with the extra pressure of supporting patients with Covid-19 as well.

I have seen first-hand the impact the new staff room has had and it has given those working tirelessly a space to just take a breath and recover, something we have struggled with before. It really is the smallest things that can make the biggest difference, thank you.”

The project featured on The Lorraine Show, supported by TV’s favourite GP, Dr Amir Khan

The week was also made exciting by special guest of The Lorraine Show and TV’s favourite GP, Dr Amir Khan, who supported and filmed the whole project.

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Read more: NHS Charities Together News

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Dr Amir visited the critical care unit and really got stuck in. This included everything from pulling up flooring and applying paint, to speaking with staff and cutting the ribbon with the unit matron, Jane. Dr Amir said: “It was amazing to be involved with such a poignant and vital project like this refurbishment.

“I got to see in person the amazing work the staff are doing at St James’ and it was my absolute pleasure to roll my sleeves up and help out in any way I could.

I can’t believe how amazing the new staff room looks and I’m just so glad there is a lovely space for people to have that much needed space and a good cup of tea.”

Leeds Hospitals Charity has worked with Leeds Teaching Hospitals to identify seven staff areas that will be refreshed and upgraded in the next year. The staff room on the ICU is the first to start work and be completed. Leeds Hospitals Charity hopes to generate more income to support the Trust and complete a major upgrade project to a total of 65 staff areas in the future.