A new patient wellbeing space designed to provide comfort and reassurance to Islanders attending mammography appointments has been officially opened at Jersey General Hospital by Lady Kyd, Patron of ABC Jersey.
Known as The Nest, the newly refurbished space is located within the Mammography Department in the Le Quesne Unit and has been funded by ABC Jersey as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting Islanders affected by breast cancer.
Lady Kyd officially opened the facility during a ceremony attended by representatives from ABC Jersey, Health & Care Jersey and invited guests. Following a welcome from Gary Bellot, Chairman of ABC Jersey, attendees heard from Dr Alex Crowther, Clinical Lead Breast Services, before Lady Kyd cut the ribbon and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
The Nest has been created to offer a calm, welcoming and private environment for patients attending mammography appointments, breast screening and diagnostic investigations. The project included renovation of the room, however the charity hopes to continue to enhance the space with additional redecoration, new flooring, patient lockers, comfortable seating, improved gowns and refreshments, including a coffee station, all designed to improve the patient experience.
For many people, attending breast screening or diagnostic appointments can be an anxious and emotional experience. The Nest provides a dedicated space where patients can take a moment for themselves, gather their thoughts, or spend time with loved ones before or after appointments.
Gary Bellot, Chairman of ABC Jersey, said: “One of the things we hear time and again from people affected by breast cancer is how important it is to feel supported throughout every stage of their journey. Whilst the clinical care provided by our healthcare teams is exceptional, we recognised an opportunity to enhance the environment around that care.
“The Nest is about providing comfort, dignity and reassurance during what can be an emotional time. We are incredibly proud to have funded this project and grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life. It reflects ABC Jersey’s commitment to supporting Islanders not only financially and emotionally, but practically too.”
Lady Kyd, ABC Jersey Patron said: “As the Patron of this wonderful charity, I am delighted to be opening The Nest today which will provide a calm and protected place for women attending what can be a very stressful and worrying time. I know that so many women will benefit from this and my thanks goes to all the team at ABC and at the hospital.”
Dr Alex Crowther, Consultant Radiologist said: “We see first-hand that attending for breast screening or diagnostic appointments can be an anxious experience for many women. The Nest provides a calm, welcoming space where patients can take a moment for themselves before or after their appointment. The improvements made by ABC Jersey may seem simple, but they will make a real difference to the comfort, dignity and overall experience of the people we care for every day.
“We are incredibly grateful for ABC Jersey’s support and commitment to improving the patient journey. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when healthcare services and the charitable sector work together with a shared goal of supporting Islanders. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ABC Jersey in the years ahead, exploring ambitious ways to further enhance the experience, wellbeing and support available to those affected by breast cancer in Jersey.”
