Caring for the carers: grotty room transformed into calm space for staff | Latest news

Supporting someone with a breast cancer diagnosis can be rewarding – but emotionally demanding. Staff at Nottingham Breast Institute offer holistic care and emotional support for patients, and share their highs and lows along the way.

For the past 18 months, as for many of us, staff have had to cope with Covid-19 on both a personal and professional level while still supporting patients.

Now staff at the Institute have somewhere to go when they’re struggling – thanks to breast care nurse Angelina Richardson.

A grotty former photocopying cupboard has been transformed into a calming staff wellbeing room, with armchairs, a rug, radio, plants and a bookshelf.

“I have wanted somewhere for staff to retreat for some time now because I see a need for it,” said receptionist and clerical officer Verona Thomas. “There was just nowhere in the building to get away from the business of the office or if you’d returned to work after a bereavement, like me.

 “So many of us have lost a loved one during the pandemic, you may feel the need to be alone and reflect; if you’ve had a difficult conversation with a member of the public – over the phone or in person at reception, you might need to step back from it all for a moment. Not everyone wants to talk to someone; sometimes you just need some quiet time and space.”

Angelina said: “It’s been a tough time and we’ve had a few bereavements – having somewhere like this to go when you are struggling is ideal.”

Angelina paid tribute to colleagues in Estates, who helped transform the room. “I can’t thank the Estates guys enough for their time and contribution. They said they’d do the maintenance and decorate it in less than a week and they kept their promise. Also a massive thank you to Jo Gilchrist for getting the photocopier moved!”

Verona added: “Angelina has done a brilliant job in pulling this together - she is so passionate about it. I’m overwhelmed that it’s finally ready.”

Angelina has also designed a series of prints to sell to raise money for Nottingham Breast Support group, and these are on sale in the lingerie section of John Lewis in Nottingham.

 “Our fantastic support group has been going for 30 years. One our consultants, Professor Blamey, had the idea to bring patients together to support each other through life after their cancer diagnosis. They meet monthly to support each other and to come up with ideas for fundraising and awareness-raising activities.

 “The money raised by the group has provided bras for every woman post-surgery, which is really important because it helps with overall recovery and healing.”

“We have a lot of women who started out with Professor Blamey 30 years ago and are keeping the support group going, which is fantastic. They help others who are going through their cancer treatment and show them that there is hope and life after a cancer diagnosis.”

 “I’m so grateful to John Lewis for displaying my prints and to Sherwood Group for printing my artwork and supplying free packaging,” said Angelina.

Angelina’s prints are also on sale in Mulberry Café and Mulberry gift shop in Strelley Village.