AHCC recently funded six outdoor covered seating pods for staff and patients at Airedale Hospital. The charity invested £30,000 in the project with £3,000 in grant funding from the West Yorkshire Freemasons.
The pods are available for both staff and patients to use and provide people with a covered outdoor seating area for mealtimes, breaks and meetings. The six pods on site are dotted around the Trust’s outdoor spaces, close to main entrances and exits to make them accessible and visible to people as they enter or leave the hospital buildings.
The idea for the project came from a wellbeing survey that the Trust’s wellbeing team undertook, alongside other feedback from staff.
Airedale Hospital and Community Charity is the official NHS charity for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. They raise funds to invest in patient experience and staff wellbeing at Airedale hospital and its community services. As well as its general fund, which is available for all teams and departments to access, the charity has several different funds including the staff wellbeing fund. This fund is used to enhance experiences for staff at the Trust by improving staff rest areas and facilities.
Jodie Hearnshaw, head of charity at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Airedale Hospital & Community Charity is proud to have funded six outdoor wellbeing pods for the grounds at Airedale Hospital. Our charity invests a lot into wellbeing, and we hope that the new outdoor pods will provide a boost staff morale at the Trust. They will give people the opportunity to enjoy breaks, meals, and even meetings outdoors.
“The extra shelter means that people can use them for more of the year than the standard picnic benches. Patients and families will also be able use the outdoor space and enjoy our natural surroundings in the fresh air.
“Airedale Hospital & Community Charity is proud to have funded six outdoor wellbeing pods for the grounds at Airedale Hospital. Our charity invests a lot into wellbeing, and we hope that the new outdoor pods will provide a boost staff morale at the Trust. They will give people the opportunity to enjoy breaks, meals, and even meetings outdoors.”
To donate to Airedale Hospital & Community Charity, please visit airedalecharity.org/ways-to-donate.
