A new relatives’ room has opened at Southport hospital to allow nurses to talk to families in confidence.

The hospital has a busy A&E department which lacked an area for private discussions.

Community Link Foundation has funded the new room which offers a tranquil space away from the wards.

Colette Henshaw, A&E sister, said: “We are really grateful for Community Link Foundation for supporting this new room. There are times when medics will sometimes need to tell tragic news to families.

“This room provides a calming and private area for those extremely important discussions.”

The relatives’ room has a phone-line and tea-making facilities. Mugs were kindly donated by Southport Sainsbury’s.

Cheryl Gradwell, Community Link Foundation trustee and board member, said: “The foundation was unanimous in its support for this new room. It’s important to have a space where families can gather their thoughts when they are told they have lost a loved one.”

Cheryl lost her husband Christopher four years ago. She was told the tragic news at A&E.

She said: “It’s something you would never want to go through. I think I may have been able to gather my thoughts a little better had I been told about my husband in a room like this.

“I’m very pleased to see this room now open where hospital staff can give support to families when they need it most.”

The mission of Community Link Foundation is to support and enhance the lives of those living in the local community and surrounding areas. More details here: www.clfoundation.co.uk

Photo caption: Cheryl and Lisa from Community Link Foundation with hospital staff in the new relatives’ room.