New outdoor space created for A&E staff at Furness General Hospital
Staff working in the emergency department at Furness General Hospital now have a more relaxing outdoor space where they can take a break.
A selection of plants and flowers has been donated to improve the area used by A&E workers at the Barrow hospital.
The project was supported by Barrow Business Improvement District and Grow in Furness, with Barrow Town Council praising the local organisations for their community spirit.
Plants donated to hospital staff
Representatives from Grow in Furness visited Furness General Hospital to deliver the plants on behalf of Barrow BID.
The donation included a number of revived plants which had previously been given to the community growing project.
These were joined by other flowers and greenery chosen to make the staff area feel brighter and more welcoming.
A quiet place away from the emergency department
A&E staff often work in a busy and demanding environment.
The improved outdoor area gives workers somewhere to sit away from the clinical setting during their breaks.
Plants and flowers can make an outdoor space feel calmer, while also providing a change of surroundings during a long shift.
The area is intended for hospital employees rather than patients or visitors.
Community groups worked together
Barrow Town Council recognised the role played by Barrow BID in providing the plants.
It described the donation as an example of the “wonderful community spirit” shown in the town.
Grow in Furness helped prepare and deliver the plants to the hospital, bringing them back into use rather than allowing them to go to waste.
What is Grow in Furness?
Grow in Furness is a community growing project based in Barrow.
Its wider plans include greenhouses capable of producing thousands of flowers for the town centre, as well as fruit, vegetables and plants for community use.
The project also aims to create spaces for workshops, school visits, volunteering and other local activities.
Supporting staff wellbeing
Furness General Hospital has received support for staff rest areas in the past.
Bay Hospitals Charity previously used funding from NHS Charities Together to install outdoor tables and benches at Furness General Hospital and other hospitals managed by the trust.
The furniture was provided to give staff somewhere to sit during their breaks.
The latest donation adds more colour and greenery to the A&E outdoor area.
Those involved hope the space will give NHS workers a pleasant place to pause, rest and recharge during busy shifts.
