In a heartwarming endeavor that embodies sustainability and community spirit, Southern Electrical Recycling Ltd partnered with Solent NHS Estates and Facilities to breathe new life into a cherished hospital day room. After languishing in disuse for three long years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient day room at Spinnaker Ward, located within St Mary’s Community Health Campus in Portsmouth, has been rejuvenated using thoughtfully recycled furniture.
The onset of the pandemic had necessitated the closure of the day room to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of the virus. But now, thanks to a collaborative effort that combined resourcefulness with eco-consciousness, the space has been meticulously restored, becoming a hub of activity and comfort once again.
Solent NHS Estates and Facilities sourced a selection of unwanted tables and chairs from various corners of the Trust, rather than resorting to purchasing new furnishings. This mindful decision not only reinvigorated the rehabilitation ward but also paved the way for substantial savings. By opting for recycled furniture, the rehabilitation ward estimates that they have conserved approximately £8,000 that would have been spent on new purchases. This praiseworthy action also translates to a remarkable reduction of approximately 3.8 tonnes of carbon emissions, underlining the profound impact of sustainable choices on our environment.
Philippa Cheesman, the Clinical Manager, expressed her elation at the reopening of the day room: “Patients and staff alike are delighted to have our day room back and furnished. Our patients have already been doing creative group activities in there and we are encouraging them to sit at the tables for their lunch. The room is such a useful facility in terms of helping patients along the road to recovery. It can do people the world of good to have a change of scenery and sit somewhere comfy where they can chat to others.”
Jo Warwick, the Building and Environmental Compliance Manager, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. The furniture store at Rodney Road, Portsmouth, has emerged as a beacon of resourcefulness, acting as a centralized repository for surplus furniture across Solent NHS Trust. This innovative approach has not only contributed to financial savings but has also had a considerable positive impact on the environment. The store’s cumulative efforts are estimated to have saved the organization a remarkable £190,000 in avoided waste costs and new furniture purchases. Furthermore, a substantial 61.72 tonnes of carbon emissions have been curtailed, serving as a testament to the far-reaching consequences of conscious conservation.
Jo remarked, “It was a real team effort to bring this room back to life. Thanks go to everyone from our cleaners, who decontaminated all the furniture before use, to our premises staff and waste contractors; everyone pulled together to get the day room up and running again.” The restoration of the day room symbolizes the strength of collaboration, the resilience of the human spirit, and the immense impact that sustainable choices can make.
Through this remarkable venture, Southern Electrical Recycling Ltd and Solent NHS Estates and Facilities have demonstrated that recycling not only saves resources and money but also holds the power to revive spaces, uplift spirits, and contribute to a greener, more vibrant world.
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