12 November 2026
Proud teams have unveiled a new relatives’ room to provide a peaceful haven for the loved ones of patients receiving care in the last days of life at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital.
A £100,000 appeal was launched back in summer 2025 through Your RWTC, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity, to create this dedicated space, away from the busy ward environment.
And the Trust’s Specialist Palliative Care Team – which has helped raise funds for the room through climbing Mount Snowdon, bake sales, a SWAN ball and a dragon boat race – joined charity staff and members of the Trust’s Executive Team on Monday to officially open the new room which has been created out of storage rooms near Ward C15 of the hospital.
Dr Hannah Jennens, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, said: “Thank you to everyone who has made this possible, all who have supported us including those who have climbed Snowdon, bought and sold cakes and taken part in the Dragon boat race.
“I’m so proud of the partnerships that have got us here today. Our clinical teams have worked closely with the charity and finance staff to help us achieve this and we know it will make a real difference to our families.”
The Specialist Palliative Care Team offers individualised support to patients who are facing life-limiting illness, including those who are recognised to be in their last days of life. This encompasses managing any troublesome physical symptoms, such as pain and sickness, emotional support and SWAN care in the last days of life. SWAN stands for signs, words, actions and needs and guides the care offered to patients and families at the end of life – ensuring the care offered is holistic and patient centred.”
Rebecca Wilson-Wall, a Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, organised a SWAN ball as part of the fundraising activities to boost the appeal.
She said: “This is a much-needed space for patients’ families to come and sit, away from the busy ward, and take some time for themselves as they support their loved ones who are receiving end-of-life care. And it is great to see what we can achieve through partnership work with others across the Trust.”
The teams’ fundraising efforts helped to provide the homely touches to the room with a kitchen and seating area.
Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager, added: “We know how important it is to be able to provide a safe and private space for relatives whose loved ones are nearing the end of their lives.
“Our charity has enjoyed working with such a passionate and dedicated team to realise its ambition of creating this relatives’ room and improving families’ experience at such a challenging and difficult time.”
Your RWTC would like to thank DIS Graphics of Wolverhampton for working with the team to design and install the swan-themed artwork for the relatives’ room.