James Hall & Co donates £250K to Royal Preston Hospital

The work has been made possible thanks to a £250,000 donation by local family business James Hall & Co.

Refurbishment of the existing facilities will see staff given places to rest and unwind, take a nap, enjoy a hot drink or take a shower.

The works have been made possible thanks to a £250,000 donation by local family business and SPAR wholesaler for the north of England, James Hall & Co.

The scheme will include refurbished male and female showers, cubicles and lockers, as well as special sleep “PODS” for staff who have been working long shifts and are too tired to drive home safely.

James Hall & Co are the SPAR wholesaler for the north of England.

These have been trialled at several NHS trusts and have encouraged staff, facing intense pressure and stressful shifts, to take a vital break to refresh themselves mentally and physically.

The newly refurbished facility will also be able to provide indoor relaxation areas complete with sofas, yoga mats, tea and coffee making facilities, a breastfeeding room and an outdoor patio area with table and chairs so that staff can unwind in the fresh air.

Speaking on behalf of the Hall family, Andrew Hall said: “As a longstanding local business, we wanted to make a donation which would have a positive impact on NHS staff morale and provide a legacy for the community which would reach far beyond COVID-19.”

Karen Partington, Chief Executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said the investment would have a direct impact on staff welfare. “We are extremely grateful that our generous donor, James Hall and Company, has agreed to back this particular project which is important to us as it was the brainchild of one of our own clinicians.

“We know that high quality facilities like these will make a huge difference to staff and help improve their physical and mental well-being, which in turn helps them to provide the best possible patient care. We also know that this kind of investment in our estate encourages the recruitment and retention of staff, which is more important than ever before.”

Paula Wilson, Head of Charities and Fundraising for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This extremely generous gesture will have a huge impact on staff morale, at what is an exceptionally challenging time. Being able to offer staff on-site accommodation is a real lifesaver for those who spend their working lives saving others.”