13 March 2009
A state-of-the-art neutral pressure room which allows patients with severe chest diseases such as tuberculosis to be isolated from others has been unveiled at Epsom Hospital.
The single bedded room has full en-suite facilities and a pressurised lobby which protects other patients on the ward from infections and, where patients are prone to infection, protects them from the outside world.
The facility cost £240,000 - half of which was funded by the Epsom Hospital League of Friends, the rest through the Trust's capital investment programme.
In recognition of their efforts, the Trust has named the unit after two sisters, Dottie and Joan Harridge, who have been fundraisers for the Friends for almost 35 years.
Peter Coles, interim Chief Executive said: "The Trust is spending millions of pounds on improving the buildings, infrastructure and equipment at Epsom Hospital. The neutral pressure room is a great resource that will help us manage serious infections like TB. I would like to thank the League of Friends for helping to cover the cost. Their support is greatly appreciated and, as such, it is fitting that it should be named after two of their most active members, Dottie and Joan."
League of Friends Chairman, Dr Geoffrey Robb said: "I am delighted this new facility has been unveiled and Dottie and Joan have been at the forefront of raising money for this facility. This is a really important clinical room that will make a huge difference to the lives of patients as well as their families."
Maria Paterson is the Matron with responsibility for the room and said it will allow patients to be treated closer to home. She said: "Across the country, we are seeing increases in infectious diseases and drug-resistant disease due to international travel. The room will help the safety of infected and uninfected patients and it means we can treat patients here, close to their families and friends, rather than them having to travel to other hospitals."
Joan Harridge said: "This is an extremely special occasion and it is truly lovely having this room named after us - it is very much appreciated."
