Published on: 10 February 2025
Relatives of patients on four wards at George Eliot Hospital are set to benefit from a newly opened relatives’ room.
The new facility has been named the Poppy Room to honour the memory of Jim Taylor, a Health Care Assistant at the hospital who tragically passed away after a traffic collision in 2024.
Jim served in the RAF for 20 years and was an active member of the Royal British Legion and a well-loved member of the Nuneaton community - selling poppies at the hospital and in the town every year in the lead up to remembrance Sunday.
The room was officially opened on Friday 7th February by Jim’s wife Jane Taylor.
Natalie Green, Chief Nursing Officer at George Eliot Hospital said: “Having a quiet and private space on a ward for families to take a few minutes and speak is vital to us being able to provide all round excellent care, not just to the patient but their loved ones too.
“We are delighted that we have finally been able to provide this space which will undoubtedly benefit countless people and serve as a lasting honour to Jim.
“We would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has made this wonderful space possible.”
The development of the room has been funded through charity funds provided by the George Eliot Hospital Charity and the George Eliot Hospital League of Friends as part of a project that initially started in 2023.
The leading fundraiser for the hospital charity has been Pharmacy Technician, Susie Stringer, who played a key role in helping bring the room to fruition. Susie was a close friend and colleague of Jims and raised money through a fundraising event in the community and by running the Birmingham half marathon in 2023, which was her first half marathon race.
She said: “To be able to honour Jim’s memory in this way means an incredible amount; he always went above and beyond for everyone. He was hugely loved and I’m sure would be very proud to have such an important part of the hospital named in his honour.
“We are looking forward to the future of the Poppy Room and believe it will have a great purpose for many years, giving relatives and patients that visit the trust a space for comfort and quiet in private.”
Sanjay Jagatia, Fundraising Manager for George Eliot Hospital Charity added: “We recognise the importance to staff, patients and families that this room will provide and are delighted, that with Susie’s key support, to be able to make this possible, adding that extra level of care that the hospital is renowned for.”
Mike Parsons, Chairman of the League of Friends, said “We are delighted to fund the Poppy Room by proving the furniture to help make it a comfortable environment, and we look forward to it making a truly positive impact. As a key part of the Trust, we are always looking for ways to improve patient care and supporting their families.
“We are lucky to have such dedicated volunteers in place to run our tea bars which enable us to provide the support we do. Their time and effort make a real difference to the quality of care the staff provide here at the George Eliot.”