Sky's the limit as balcony helps patients see the light

Hospital leads way in NW with access to great outdoors

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Samantha Dixon MP and Dr Simon Ridler, ICU consultant cutting the cake to mark the opening of the new Wilson Blue Skies Balcony at the Countess of Chester Hospital

(JMILLARD)

PATIENTS and families at the Countess of Chester Hospital are now benefiting from a unique new facility - The Wilson Blue Skies Balcony.

Made possible by donations to The Countess Charity's Blue Skies Appeal with additional support from IHP, contractors for the hospital's new Women and Children's Building this dedicated outdoor space is directly connected to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), giving the hospital's most seriously ill patients safe access to fresh air and natural light during recovery.

The balcony was officially opened by Samantha Dixon MBE, Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston, who joined former patients, hospital leaders, staff and supporters for the occasion.

The idea for the balcony came from staff, who recognised the benefit of access to daylight during long ICU stays.

Research shows that time outdoors aids recovery, reduces delirium and improves mood.

The new balcony allows beds and crucial equipment to be moved outside safely, so even the most unwell patients can benefit with full clinical support.

Dr Simon Ridler, ICU consultant, said: "The ability to get our patients outside, even briefly and expose them to natural light and countryside views will go a long way towards improving their recovery and their experience whilst in critical care.