Midlands Hospital Opens Two New Family Rooms

The hospital is welcoming the addition of a new sensory room and the "Blueball Room."

Two new family rooms have been opened at a midlands hospital.

The Emergency Department at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore is set to benefit from a new sensory room, while the "Blueball Room" is now open on the Clonmacnoise Ward.

The first of those aims to reduce environmental triggers, and was needed as a result of the of the growing number of children and adults being diagnosed with sensory needs.

Breda Murray, Chairperson, Laois Offaly Families For Autism says:

"The sensory room will help many people with an autism diagnosis, sensory needs or an intellectual disability and their families when they have to go to hospital in an emergency.

It can be an anxious time for such children when they go to hospital, and this room will help promote emotional regulation and address sensory needs thus reducing anxiety so they can access treatment in a way that is not frightening for them. 

Simple changes make a big difference."

The Blueball Room will mostly be used for meeting with patients and families, but can also be a resting space, which can accommodate up to eight people.

Friends of the Hospital Committee says:

"We are pleased to be associated with this project by committing funds for the provision of a dedicated room in the hospital to be used as a family room and also for the purpose of having a quiet and dignified space to discuss patient care with patients and their families. 

The name Bluebell Room was chosen as it symbolises spirituality, healing and everlasting love.

The Friends of the Hospital worked closely with Ms Zara Dagg in agreeing the requirements to ensure that the room could be converted to a warm and welcoming space, with soft furnishings, tea and coffee facilities and also to ensure that there was no clinical feel to the room."

More from Midlands News

Download Our App