Benjamin Weir Trust donates £20,000 to enhance patient experience at RHN

Benjamin Weir Trust Generously donates £20,000 to Enhance Patient Experience at Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

The RHN is thrilled to announce a significant donation of £20,000 from the Benjamin Weir Trust. The generous contribution was utilised to transform ‘The View,’ a dedicated space for patients and residents’ families and visitors within the hospital.

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is respected nationally as one of the oldest independent charity hospitals and research centres providing rehabilitation and care for adults with complex brain injury and neurological conditions.

The Benjamin Weir Trust, composed of former mayors of Wandsworth, are committed to supporting the local community and improving the well-being of individuals. Their donation was made in memory of the late Diana Whittingham, a great friend and supporter of the RHN, who served as a Board Member between December 1997 and March 2009 and championed the hospital’s work with severely disabled adults for many years.

Paul Allen, CEO at the RHN said, “It is an honour to be able to mark Diana’s long standing commitment to the RHN with the renovation of ‘The View’. This space is enjoyed by patients, resident and their families here at the hospital. There could not be a more fitting tribute to the memory of Diana. Thank you for enabling this with your generous support.”

‘The View’ has undergone a comprehensive renovation to ensure a comfortable and uplifting atmosphere. The project included the addition of toys and games to engage younger visitors, coffee and tea machines to provide a respite for families, and a music and reading library to offer solace and relaxation. The revitalised space aims to provide a haven where patients and their families can find solace and create cherished memories during their time at the hospital.

“We were deeply moved at the generous donation from the Benjamin Weir Trust,” said Brenda Berge, Leisure and Family Services Manager at the RHN. “’The View’ serves as a one of few spaces for our patients and their families, offering comfort, relaxation, and a sense of normalcy during challenging times. We are immensely grateful for the trust’s support in our mission to provide exceptional care and support to our community.”

Renovations of ‘The View’ were completed earlier this year with the official opening taking place on 11 August 2023.

The Mayor of Wandsworth, Juliana Annan and her consort Victoria Asante joined the Benjamin Weir Trust at the opening ceremony to cut the ribbon and meet some of the RHN’s patients and residents whose artwork has been displayed in The View. Juliana and Victoria both formerly worked at the RHN and both expressed how happy they felt to be returning to the hospital for the occasion.

Councillor Annan said: “It was a privilege and an honour to be asked to perform the official unveiling of this revamped and refurbished space at the hospital, which has benefited from funds raised by my predecessors.

“The RHN is a special place and I was thrilled to be part of this important event.”

The RHN express their sincere gratitude to the Benjamin Weir Trust for their generosity. This donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of countless patients and their families, creating an environment that promotes well-being and positivity.

Maurice Heaster OBE, Benjamin Weir Trust Chairman; Paul Allen, RHN CEO; Juliana Annan, Mayor of Wandsworth; Victoria Asante, Consort to the Mayor of Wandsworth