Keep up with Armagh i

South Armagh sisters’ major makeover of ICU family room at Craigavon Area Hospital

Front (L-R) Belinda, Leo (Belinda’s Son) and Claudine. Back Row (L-R) Karen Tirney Staff Nurse, Julie Elliott Staff Nurse, Dr Emma McGregor, Ruth McParland Ward Manager, Dr Daniel McKeever, Helena Murray Head of Service.

The Family Room at Craigavon Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit has undergone a major makeover thanks to a local family.

Sisters Belinda O’Neill and Claudia McAvoy from Silverbridge, decided to take on the project to give something back to the Unit after a close family member was a patient.

They hosted a ‘Sparkling Afternoon Tea’ in the Canal Court last year, raising £5,000 which they used to transform the room.

The new look Family Room now includes bespoke recliner chairs, a sofa bed, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge.

It is also has a shower room next door which can be used by relatives.

Speaking about the project Belinda says: “We wanted to show our gratitude to the amazing ICU staff and give something back to help others in the same situation. We were delighted to be given a free reign to overhaul the room and hope that it offers some tranquillity to other families during such a distressing time.”

Thanking the sisters for their generosity, Intensive Care Unit Manager, Sister Ruth McParland said: “We are all absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness of Belinda and Claudia and how they have whole heartedly taken on this project.

“Here in Intensive Care we treat the most acutely ill patients from across the whole Southern Trust area and understandably relatives want to stay here as much as they can during this time.

“Our new room offers a little haven for families to take some time out while still being close to their loved one. The girls have chosen the very best furnishings and accessories to create a beautiful home-from-home environment, which will hopefully bring some comfort during such difficult circumstances.”

Belinda and Claudia would like to thank everyone who donated to their fundraising efforts and have now embarked on their next project to upgrade the Family Consultation Room within the Intensive Care Unit.

Local jobs

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

Christmas wishes from SRC

More in South Armagh