Queen Elizabeth Hospital opens peaceful Wisteria Room

May 9, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Queen Elizabeth Hospital end-of-life room, the Wisteria Room, opens to provide a peaceful space.

New Wisteria Room offers dignity and peace

Ward 25 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital has launched the Wisteria Room. This refurbished end-of-life space aims to provide a tranquil and supportive environment. It is for patients receiving palliative care and their families.

The room was established during Dying Matters Week. It offers a quieter setting away from the main ward. The wisteria flower symbolises enduring love and devotion.

Enhancing end-of-life care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The ward, an acute frailty admissions unit, identified a need for a calmer space. This is for patients nearing the end of life and their loved ones. The room features nature-themed wallpaper and LED sky ceiling panels. A memory board is also available for families.

Space has been allocated for relatives to stay with patients. The refurbishment was completed by Vinci Facilities as part of its SOMAD initiative. The team volunteered their time to complete the work over two days.

Ailah Alvarez, Ward 24 and 25 Manager, stated: "We recognised that patients nearing the end of life, and their families, needed a quieter and more supportive environment during an incredibly emotional time."

"The Wisteria Room will provide comfort, dignity and peace for patients and relatives, while helping families feel supported during one of the most difficult moments in their lives."

"In the hardest moments, families may not remember every word we said, but they will always remember how we made them feel. At the end of life, compassion matters just as much as clinical care, and we hope this room reflects that commitment to our patients and families at LGT."

The ward team plans to introduce further comforts. These may include a sleeper chair for overnight stays and memory boxes.

Nationally, the NHS is increasingly focusing on improving end-of-life care experiences. In England, approximately 500,000 people die each year. Ensuring compassionate and dignified care during this time is a key priority. Initiatives like the Wisteria Room reflect a broader trend towards person-centred care in palliative settings.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official clinical data from NHS SE London.

Document: Wisteria Room opens during Dying Matters Week | News

Source Link: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/latest-news/wisteria-room-opens-during-dying-matters-week-3564

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South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

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