Ward Manager, Christina Ring, joined League of Friends Chair, Sue Padfield, to officially declare open one of the first Health and Well-being areas in a community hospital in the country.

The League of Friends, with the support of their Charity Shop, have funded the latest technology to create a special area at Paulton Memorial Hospital transforming a four-bedded bay and two side rooms to make them less clinical and more relaxing.

Sue said: “We are one of the first community hospitals in the country to have a Health and Well-being area like this and it is all down to the wonderful community who are so generous in supporting our fundraising efforts. We would not be able to do anything without this fabulous support.”

Staff are to be trained in using aromatherapy within the dedicated area, transformed through the use of colour and a specialist lighting system.

Last year, the League, working with Sirona Care and Health, which runs the hospital, used funds to create a new day room and specialist therapy areas, as well as a wet room and piped oxygen to each of the ward’s 28 beds.

Christina, who herself was the first therapist to be appointed as a Ward Manager, said: “It is a heartfelt thank you to the League and the charity shop for what they have created here at Paulton; it truly will make a difference to those being cared for at this community hospital.”

Jenny Theed, Sirona’s Director of Operations, said: “The support of the League of Friends in Paulton is magnificent; they have ensured Paulton is at the forefront of innovative care within the community.”