Spinal centre upgrade complete as funding brings vision to life

Posted by June Heath on 17 April 2025

We’re incredibly excited to announce the successful completion of our campaign to completely refurbish the outdated day-room at the hospital’s Spinal Cord Injury Centre – a significant milestone for RNOH and its patients. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, and the tireless efforts of Charity Ambassador David Holmes, the project reached its fundraising goal and work is complete!

Time spent in the day-room plays a vital role in rehabilitation and the renovated space will offer patients a warm and welcoming area to connect with loved ones away from the medical ward. The transformation has completely revitalised the room with a modern design, tailored specifically to the needs of spinal cord injury patients and their visitors, ensuring the new space is not only beautiful but functional and fully inclusive.

Delivered in partnership with RNOH teams and healthcare interiors specialists Pi Group, the renovation includes:

• Ergonomic seating tailored for individuals with limited mobility
• Bright, uplifting décor
• Flexible facilities for everything from coffee catch-ups to movie nights for everyone

The furniture was carefully created with inclusivity and patient care in mind, involving close collaboration with nursing staff to ensure it would meet the specific needs of those with spinal injuries. Staff identified critical aspects such as patient comfort, accessibility and ease of use, with consideration for visitors too. The materials are durable yet soft, with storage designed to maximise floor space. 

"There's another place to be"

RNOH Charity Ambassador and hospital patient, David Holmes, championed the project and drove fundraising throughout. Commenting on the renovation as he viewed the transformation for the first time, David said: "This is such an important space. It means you can socialise - not on your ward and in your bed - you can have friends and family here. Of an evening time, when your rehab is done and your physiotherapy is done, there's another place to be.

"The most disabling this about being a wheelchair user is the environment that you interact with. This is an accessible environment. I would be able to have the independence of preparing food, having a drink and just being out of my ward room and out of my bay. To everyone involved, thank you very much."

CEO of RNOH Charity, Rosie Stolarski, said: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when our community comes together. The transformation of the day-room has not only enhanced the hospital environment, but will also play a vital role in supporting patients' emotional and psychological wellbeing during a critical stage in their recovery.

“We are incredibly proud to have made this happen, and profoundly grateful to every supporter who contributed to this campaign that is creating something truly special.”

Professor Paul Fish, CEO of the RNOH NHS Trust, added: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported RNOH Charity in fundraising for the much-needed refurbishment of the Spinal Cord Injury Centre day-room. This incredible gift will make a real difference to the rehabilitation journey of our patients. The funds raised by RNOH Charity supporters help the hospital go above and beyond for our patients, funding important projects that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and we send our sincere thanks for your kindness and generosity.”