Thank you to our staff and the local community in Queensway, Norfolk and Moorgate Roads Rotherham, for the warm welcome at the soon-to-open Ellern Mede Moorgate eating disorder service’s first Open Event on 25th September 2019.
Pictured are Chef, Diane, Receptionist Claire, and in the background, Andreea, Medical Secretary. Close to 20 neighbours popped in for a tour of the newly refurbished purpose-designed building which we hope will open to its first patients this October. Ellern Mede Moorgate will offer both outpatient, day patient and inpatient eating disorder services to young people aged 8 to 25 across two separate units, one for under 18s and one for over 18s.
Neighbour Mrs Rutherford commented: “We are really comfortable about this service opening here and we will do everything we can to welcome patients as they enjoy walks around the area with the staff.” The Centre Management team welcomed this, as the clinical staff pointed out that we aim to help patients experience life as normally as possible, even though they may be having an inpatient hospital stay.
Another neighbour, Alan, said: “We would very much like to volunteer to help the service if there is anything at all we can do, just let us know.”
A family who own a Golden Retriever asked if they might bring in their dog as a therapy dog for any patients who might find that helpful. Ellern Mede encourages therapy dogs for patients and so this is something we may be likely to collaborate on.
Tours around the hospital’s two wards, open areas, school rooms, quiet rooms, dining areas and activity areas were held throughout the event. Visitors commented that they found the area bright, spacious and very nice.
A highlight of the day was when Community member, Lesley Robertson, who is a singer, treated visitors to an impromptu sing-along in the family room over coffee.
A formal launch event for the hospital will follow and is expected to take place mid-October, officiated by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham.
Ellern Mede Moorgate location picture in Welcome Room
Entrance to Ellern Mede Moorgate 136 Moorgate Road Rotherham
Ellern Mede Moorgate central courtyard with school rooms in the background.
