St George’s Hospital

News, Tibra Capital Foundation

Thursday 30 April saw the official opening of a new rest and relaxation space at London’s St George’s Hospital for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) health workers on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis.

The space – a collaboration between Tibra Capital Foundation Europe (TCFE), hospital staff and several generous suppliers – was designed to provide much-needed respite for health workers following long and arduous shifts.

“We’ve been dismayed by the staggering number of coronavirus cases and untimely deaths that have resulted and, like most, our organisation wanted to help,” said TCFE committee member Holly Larkin.

“Luckily, the TCFE had access to funds to be able to do this.”

St George’s Hospital Senior ITU Consultant, Jonathan Aron, advised that hospital staff were craving a space where they could decompress, “grab some refreshments” and unpack the day with a colleague.

With an ambitious scope and timeline, the TCFE and volunteers hustled to source, purchase and arrange delivery of everything needed to convert a simulated 10 bedded ward environment housed in the St George’s University of London – an onsite training centre that was due to close for the season – to fit the brief of an open plan wellbeing hub.

Fully funded by the TCFE, the fitout included equipment such as fridges, coffee and ice machines, entertainment such as table football, video and arcade games, furnishings, exercise equipment, food and beverages.

“[The TCFE has] been amazing and instrumental in setting up this much needed ICU R&R area,” said Nick Gosling, Head of St George’s Advanced Patient Simulation & Skills Centre (GAPS). Nick also paid tribute to his team and in particular Manana Mudhir, GAPS Centre Administrator, who has been pivotal in working alongside the TCFE to make it all work and run smoothly.

Nick added that, without the Foundation, “it would have been impossible to provide such a quality space that has provided both individuals the opportunity to seek quiet reflection and respite as well as teams to debrief and unwind together following a long 12-hour shift.

This project touched the heart of every person involved and special thanks go to the team at St George’s Hospital and the GAPS Simulation & Skills Centre as well as the suppliers, many of which showed great generosity in bringing the project together.