21 October 2009
A brand new Patient Information Centre designed and built to offer patients at St Helier Hospital a wide range of information about different aspects of their healthcare was officially opened by the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake, on Friday (October 16).
The centre, which cost £35,000, contains a wealth of easy to understand information about a wide range of medical conditions, as well as local support groups and the services that the Trust has to offer. It also offers patients free internet access, so that they can look at official healthcare websites.
But it wasn't just the usual ribbon cutting for the opening ceremony of the Patient Information Centre; instead, Chief Executive of the Trust, Samantha Jones and Tom Brake signed a pledge to the current and future patients.
The Patient Information Centre pledge states that the Trust will offer patients the information they need to make the best decisions about their treatment and recovery.
Samantha Jones said: "We were delighted to welcome Tom to the Trust to officially open the new Patient Information Centre.
"We know that patients who are well informed about their condition and the types of treatment that are available to them are empowered to make the right choices about the care they will receive.
"The Patient Information Centre, combined with the other support and advice services we provide at both Sutton and Epsom hospitals, will make a great difference to our patients. They are also a useful resource for the family and friends of patients, who are of course, welcome to drop in at any time.
"This centre would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the St Helier League of Friends, who donated £20,000 towards the project. We owe them a huge thank you."
Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington said: "Easily available, clear information is often hard to come by for patients and their families. The Patient Information Centre, with excellent staff and volunteers, plugs this gap. Information leaflets and web-based information is there at people's fingertips as well as friendly advice. This will improve the experience of patients in hospital no end."
