NHS Grampian teams up with Teenage Cancer Trust to design new patient lounge
NHS Grampian has worked with the Teenage Cancer Trust to design a dedicated space for young patients in a new centre.
The organisations joined forces and spoke to patients aged 16-25 to create a lounge at The ANCHOR Centre, which is currently being built on the Foresterhill Health Campus, in Aberdeen.
They held focus groups, featuring young people such as Claire and Amy, allowing them to have their say on how the space should look and feel.
Claire said: “This will allow us to have a space to be ourselves and relax a bit more during some really difficult times.”
Amy said: “Walking into waiting rooms and seeing no one my age always felt really isolating, so having a space just for my age group will be extremely beneficial and a great opportunity to meet people going through similar things.”
All of the features in the lounge have been thoughtfully designed in consultation with members of the local Teenage Cancer Trust group - which is funding the furniture, gaming equipment, wall art and activities supplies for the lounge.
Louise Budge, service and commissioning lead for The ANCHOR Centre, said: "From the beginning of the project we were aware of how important a dedicated space for our younger cancer and blood disorder patients is - to allow them to interact with their peers, to listen to music or play a video game or just to have a quiet space.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the Teenage Cancer Trust to make this a calm and welcoming space for our younger patients.”
The lounge is on the ground floor of The ANCHOR Centre and charity staff recently visited the site to see the space.
Amanda Copland, Teenage Cancer Trust clinical nurse specialist for teenagers and young adults with cancer, said: “Through their thoughts and experiences, young people have shown that this space is much needed and will be greatly welcomed.
“Young people have really appreciated the opportunity to be consulted and involved in this project.”
Elaine McTavish, health engagement manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “This space has been designed together with young people, with the aim that it brings a sense of normality, familiarity and fun, providing some relief from the often-gruelling experience of treatment for cancer or a blood disorder.
“We know first-hand how important it is to have specially designed and age-appropriate spaces where young people facing cancer can feel at home, meet others their age, welcome family and friends, and alongside that, receive the very best care.”
