Now open…a new oasis space just for our staff is made possible because of you.

That’s right, because of your generous donations and grants received to our COVID-19 Staff Wellbeing Appeal, we’ve been able to create this beautiful haven for all staff to take a well-earned break – indoors or out – away from the hustle and bustle of the main hospital in Ipswich. What a difference this is going to make.

The staff oasis is conveniently located in the south wards of Ipswich Hospital, making it particularly useful for ward staff and replaces the temporary oasis marquee we installed whilst it was being built.

The facilities include, sitting and dining areas, a kitchenette with microwave and instant hot water, a television, as well as an improved outdoor rest area with built in benches and lots of greenery.

Mandy Jordan, Associate Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, said: “We wanted to make this much needed staff space feel like you’re a world away from the wards, clinics or offices. It’s a calm, relaxing environment where colleagues can take a proper break in comfort. It will be open 24/7 and having indoor and outdoor areas means it’s fit for all seasons too.

“The project was a real team effort and I’d like to say a big thank you to our Estates Department who have worked tirelessly with us to bring this project to fruition.”

Pictured back standing row from left to right: Jeremey Rowe, Peter Chapman, Jake Grover, Robert Day & Curtis button. Sitting back row from left to right: Jordan Beaumont & David Beuchet. Sitting central: Jack Dawson & Mandy Jordan.

A really big thank you to everyone who has made break times for our staff one hundred times better.

And that’s not all, a similar retreat will follow later in the year at Colchester Hospital – so watch this space!

We have now spent over £100,000 renovating and refurbishing many staff areas across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, using money donated to the COVID-19 Staff Wellbeing Appeal and grants received from NHS Charities Together, now infamously linked to Captain Sir Tom.

"It makes you feel a world away from your work."