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Re-Opening of the Quiet Room at the Children’s Hospital

3rd April 2023

Child with Chaplain Derek Johnston cutting the ribbon at the Quiet Room

At the end of last week, we re-opened the Quiet Room and Prayer Space at the Children’s Hospital. With support from Charitable Funds the space was redecorated in 2022 to make the area more user-friendly and practical.

The Quiet Room as a space away from the challenges and stresses that our patients, clients, carers, families and staff can feel. Sometimes we are able to adapt and cope with our circumstances and other times we need a quiet, safe and welcoming place where we can sit, think, reflect, find resources or pray.

Rev. Derek Johnston, Lead Chaplain and Joan Melanophy, Lead Nurse Patient Experience show some of the book resources available to families.
Rev. Derek Johnston, Lead Chaplain and Joan Melanophy, Lead Nurse Patient Experience show some of the book resources available to families.

Resources are available for children and families to use or take away. End-of-life and bereavement resources are also available. Parents find the resources and space useful when spending time in the hospital.

One parent commented,

“We were up in clinic on Monday and as only one parent is allowed in I took a walk and was pleased to find the little prayer room open. It is such a needed space! I have missed the quiet room being open! Such a needed space for prayer and reflection! I spent many days there, just for 10 minutes to pray and gather myself. The peace and quiet was an escape that was so needed and appreciated.”

Joan Melanophy, Lead Nurse Patient Experience, Rev Derek Johnston, Lead Chaplin, Brenda Creaney, Executive Director of Nursing User Experience and Allied Health Professionals, and Paula Cahalan, Interim Director Child Health & NISTAR / Outpatients, Imaging & Medical Physics
Joan Melanophy, Lead Nurse Patient Experience, Rev Derek Johnston, Lead Chaplin, Brenda Creaney, Executive Director of Nursing User Experience and Allied Health Professionals, and Paula Cahalan, Interim Director Child Health & NISTAR / Outpatients, Imaging & Medical Physics

Interim Director Child Health & NISTAR / Outpatients, Imaging & Medical Physics said,

“I am delighted this facility is available in the hospital. We are very grateful to our Estates Department who carried out the redecoration of the rooms and to the Paediatric Charitable Funds that provided funding for the new furnishings.

I know that many families and staff have already found these rooms a place of comfort and rest. I hope they will continue to be an invaluable resource to support our children’s healthcare community.”

The rooms are located on the Ground Floor, just through the old Falls Road entrance. Posters on the walls will help direct you.