Personal gift warms chemotherapy day unit

Staff wellbeing at Chase Farm Hospital

A nurse in a light blue uniform embraces another person wearing a patterned jacket in a hospital setting. The background features bright yellow panels and medical equipment, indicating a healthcare environment.

“Throughout my cancer journey I have experienced nothing but the highest quality of care, support and dedication from everyone I have met.”

When Olivia arrived at Chase Farm Hospital for what she thought would be a routine breast check, she did not expect her life to change so suddenly. Within 90 minutes, she began a journey that would see her returning regularly to the haematology and oncology day unit, supported every step of the way by the team at Chase Farm Hospital.

“Everyone I have come across since that first day have been nothing but helpful, efficient, kind and supportive. The chemotherapy day unit team made what was a scary and potentially very difficult journey into a positive one.”

Finding comfort in the small things was important to Olivia, from the warm drinks and snacks brought by charity funded volunteers to the laughter and kindness from NHS staff. Olivia explained: “Rather than dreading my chemo sessions, I welcomed them. Not only was I getting the medication that was treating me and making me better, I was treated by some incredibly hard-working, selfless, warm, funny and amazing people.”

During the months of spring, Olivia noticed how cold the chemotherapy day unit could get, a necessity for keeping medicines at the right temperature, but a challenge for staff working long hours.

Olivia wanted to give something back that would last longer than a thank you card. With support from the Royal Free Charity, Olivia’s idea of personalised fleeces was delivered, benefiting the wellbeing of the team in Chase Farm.

A woman wearing a patterned blue and white dress stands in a hospital room, holding a folded garment wrapped in plastic. She is next to an open cardboard box, and the background features medical equipment, yellow and white walls, and grey patient chairs.

Olivia presenting personalised fleeces to staff in the Chase Farm chemotherapy day unit staff.

Hoping others will consider supporting the staff and patients at Chase Farm Hospital, Olivia said: “Not everyone is in a position to support our hospital in the same way, but please be open to supporting in any way you can. I know that the amazing people who work in the hospital will still be there every day, working to make sure as many of us as possible can receive the highest quality of treatment, delivered with kindness.”

A group of hospital staff members, dressed in light blue uniforms and grey fleece jackets, stand together in front of a door labeled "Staff Access Only." Some staff have name tags or embroidered names on their jackets, and the setting is a hospital corridor with signage and informational posters visible.

The Chase Farm oncology team with their new fleeces.

Olivia’s thoughtful donation of personalised fleeces will help staff stay warm and comfortable as they continue to provide exceptional care every day.

Images provided with thanks to Catalina Alexi-Georgiou.