Staff and patients celebrated the opening of a new teenage chemo therapy lounge at Barnet Hospital.

The lounge which has been funded by the Joely Bear Appeal and organised by Barnet Hospital Charity, is fitted with relaxing sofa chairs, an Xbox 360, a wide screen television and a juke box, to help teenage patients feel more at home when they are in hospital.

Jill De Gragg, play specialist, said: “This is exactly what we wanted it to be like when we first started planning for it. The colours work really well and when the lights are off the light from the jukebox makes it very therapeutic.

“It is hard for teenagers to come to hospital and see so many changing environments, so to provide them with something which may make their stay here more enjoyable and familiar is great for their care.”

Nicolae Lupu, 13, of Edgware, said: “I didn’t think that this is what a hospital room would look like. It is really colourful and the jukebox looks really cool.

“The sofa is really comfortable and I like the designs on the walls. It is good to see that there is a TV and an Xbox, I can’t wait to beat my dad on Fifa 17 like I do at home.”  

ENDS

Hero image: Nicolae Lupu, 13, of Edgware, Iona Grimsley, junior sister and Andrea Nicholas, play specialist

Second image: Andrea Nicholas, play specialist and Jill De Graag, play specialist

Notes to editors

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.