Had a wonderful visit to Hallam Street Hospital in West Bromwich, thanks to the fab ward manager of Friar House, Lisa McGowan. Although I was dazzled by the ultra-impressive activities patients can do in the computer room and recording studio (!!), the strongest impression came from staff attitudes. Us patients are a reasonable bunch, and when asked what we want from our time in hospital, top of the list is to be able to talk with empathetic staff. Look no further than Friar House! Lisa’s palpable commitment to and warmth with patients provides the best possible role-modelling. One aspect that particularly interested me is that Lisa encourages staff to have (appropriate!) physical contact with patients. Amidst what a modern matron I hugely respect refers to as ‘risk mania’, it is very common for staff to avoid touching patients. This is compounded on (the happily reducing number of) wards which have a quaintly old-fashioned culture of ‘observing’ rather than ‘engaging with’ patients.
But go to Friar House and if you’re upset, a member of staff will put their arms around you, if that’s what you want and need. So huiman. So comforting. So boundary-blurring – which makes it riskier for staff but even more reassuring for patients.
When you need more than a hug, and only a ciggy will do, you’re likely to be exiled to the garden, and will definitely be from next July. You won’t particularly appreciate the severe, ugly ‘protection’ of the bus-shelter excuse for a smoking refuge, looking something like this:
http://www.wivenhoe.gov.uk/WTC/2005/BusShelter2.JPG
How much nicer to have a piece of furniture which is not only a pleasant environment for smokers to enjoy our addiction, but one that also enhances the look and feel of the garden for everyone. Friar House has an elegant structure something like:
http://www.summergardenbuildings.co.uk/showprod.php?ref=GARDEN-GAZEBOS-802126&ptx=GAZEBOS-PERGOLAS
The perfect place to have a fag and a comforting hug.
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