Mayo General Hospital

Design and Dignity Grant Scheme

What we know…

• Being a close relative of kin of someone in the final phase of life is often complicated. It can be the relative’s first concrete encounter with dying and death. In this situation, the relative must handle both his/her own sorrow and that of the dying person, in addition to solving a multitude of practical problems.

• It is well documented in the literature that being a relative at the end-of-life is a new situation for many people. A number of studies described how relatives were in an exposed position involving increased vulnerability. Relatives often experienced the situation as burdensome and as involving increased responsibility, which could have negative consequences such as fatigue, anxiety, agony, fear, difficulty sleeping, lack of time, loneliness, a loss of control, difficulty understanding, a feeling of helplessness, uncertainty, conflicts within the family, financial burdens, loss of dreams and/or speculations concerning the future and a new life situation.

• A large number of studies have shown that the need for support was of central importance for relatives, opinion in the literature would suggest relatives’ dissatisfaction arose from a sense of being devalued, dehumanized or disempowered.

The Project….

Part 1:– The first element of the project is to redefine

areas on the ward that will improve communication with relatives and families. This includes development of the nurse’s station and to redesignate it as a ward reception point.

• Part 2:– To create a central relatives area that will serve the

families of patients from the main medical wards and the Intensive Care Unit.

– This area will promote a welcome reassurance to family members, facilities will be made available for refreshments and rest in keeping with Design & Dignity guidelines reinforcing that the presence of family members is encouraged, respected and welcomed.

Main Ward

Nurse Station and Write Up Area

Family Room

What worked well…

• Lots of pre planning meetings.– Get everyone involved

• An agreed Gant Chart for project management – by the day.

• Being onsite regularly• Knowing the Foreman's name

Key Learning

• Assume nothing• Discuss in detail the actual finish.• Ask for samples.

• Discuss the detail in non architect language.

Feedback

“Fantastic facility”

“I didn’t know you had rooms like this”

“ the ward is so much brighter and welcoming”

“We could never use the back office before to meet families, it was just so cluttered”