Critical Care family room refurbished in memory of mum opens to support patients, visitors and staff | Latest news

A newly refurbished family room, made possible through donations from the family of a patient and Nottingham Hospitals Charity, has opened at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).

Located within the Critical Care department at City Hospital, the room offers a more comfortable and calm environment for patients, visitors and staff, with flexible seating, soft furnishings and a discreet meeting space for private discussions. It can also be used by staff for small meetings and debriefs, supporting compassionate, family‑centred care. 

Funding for the refurbishment has come from the family of Jayne Gregory, a patient who was treated on the unit, who wished to support others following the compassionate care and support they all received at NUH.  

A personal touch in the room includes canvas photographs of Weymouth - a favourite family destination - taken by Jayne’s husband, Gary, and displayed with the family’s permission.  

A wall mural, funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity and featuring seascapes, supports the calming atmosphere.

Jayne and Gary met at infant school in 1974, later going on to different secondary schools where they lost contact with each other. They reconnected in 1988 and were married in 1993, enjoying over 30 happy years of marriage together.

Gary said: “We loved time away together in our touring caravan. One of Jayne's favourite places to visit was Weymouth in Dorset, so many happy memories were made there, and this is why we chose two photographs of Weymouth to be displayed on the wall in ‘Jayne’s Room’.

“Jayne was a fun loving, humble and selfless person, who loved being a mum and ‘Mammar’ (Grandma), and cherished her family, friends and her job as a deputy play leader in a childcare setting, for over 20 years. 

"As a family we wanted to express our appreciation to the City Hospital Critical Care Unit after the excellent care and kindness shown to Jayne during her weeks of care, following a short illness.

"Over £2,000 was raised from donations in lieu of flowers from Jayne's family and friends and we knew we wanted this to benefit the unit. 

“Staff helped to identify a big project to refurbish the multipurpose room and create a space for families who need to stay close to their loved ones in hospital, and we instantly said yes. This was the perfect project to say thank you, and to remember Jayne.

“We are also very grateful to Kate Whittle and Jenny Bakewell, our Critical Care Family Liaison Nurses, who showed immense kindness and empathy during our most difficult time as a family, and worked tirelessly to make Jayne’s Room possible and realise our vision. 

“We hope the room brings comfort and a moment of peace to others.”

Jenny Bakewell, Critical Care Family Liaison Nurse at NUH, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Gregory family and the Charity. 

“This thoughtful refurbishment will make a real difference - giving families a dignified space for conversations and quiet reflection and supporting our teams to provide compassionate care at some of the hardest moments.”

Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, Nottingham Hospitals Charity is able to enhance environments across Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, helping to create welcoming, therapeutic spaces for patients, families and staff.

“The support of the Gregory family, alongside thoughtful personal touches including Gary’s photographs of Weymouth and the Charity-funded mural, has created a calm and compassionate space that offers comfort, privacy and dignity at the moments that matter most.”