New Carers Hub opens at Watford General in memory of former patient

Watford General Hospital has officially opened a new dedicated Carers Hub, providing support, guidance and resources for carers and families while their loved ones receive care in hospital. 

The Patricia Coulson Suite formally opened as the new Caring for Carers support Hub on Friday 12 June, and will offer a safe and confidential area for families and carers to come for practical support and guidance. It will also give a space to support staff at West Herts who are working carers.  

The Hub was named in memory of a former patient, Pat Coulson. Pat’s sister, Sue Shaw, fundraised for the Carers Hub in memory of her sister and to say thank you to the Caring for Carers team for supporting hers and her family during Pat’s final weeks of life. 

Pat had lifelong disabilities and Sue proudly became Pat’s carer following the passing of their mum 27 years ago. During Pat’s final moments, Sue received not just practical support from the Caring for Carers team, such as help with parking costs and meal vouchers, but also emotional support. 

Sue is full of praise for the Caring for Carers service that supported Pat, herself and her family during Pat’s final weeks. Sue describes the team going beyond her expectations:  

“It was like having a family member there to help you. I didn't know these people, but they wanted to help us. I think it was the fact that they believed that this isn't just about the person who's passing, it's about the people who are there to care for them”    

Sue wanted to say thank you to the Caring for Carers team by taking part in a wing walk at Duxford Airfield, bravely standing on the wings of an aeroplane during a flight to raise money. Sue raised £3,700 from the wing walk for West Herts Hospital Charity, the official charity for the Trust. Sue also raised funds via a Just Giving page, meaning she raised a total of £5,300 inducing gift aid. Additionally, the Charity donated £750 to help furnish the Hub and provided volunteering work to paint the new space. 

Sue officially cut the ribbon to open the Hub on Friday, along with Andrea Hone (Caring for Carers Lead), Kelly McGovern (Chief Nurse) and Alison Rosen (CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity).  

The new facility will enhance how West Herts works with community partners and organisations, supporting referrals and ongoing support for carers and patients as they transition from a hospital setting back home or into community care services.  

The Hub will also expand the number of Carer Volunteers, enabling the Carers team to further support individuals and families.  

The opening comes at a special time as the Trust celebrates Carers Week. The theme for Carers Week is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, focusing on the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere. The new Carers Hub will help foster that sense of community within West Hertfordshire.     

Alison Rosen said: “We are so proud to have supported the creation of the Patricia Coulson Suite. Sue is an absolute inspiration; her brave wing walk and incredible fundraising efforts, have allowed us to create a space that will provide comfort for so many people. This hub ensures that carers receive the care and recognition they deserve, creating a lasting legacy for Pat."   

Helping to fund the new Carers Hub has helped Sue come to terms with Pat’s death.  

Sue said: “Opening the suite has made me the proudest sister, because the legacy of my sister will live on through this, through this room and through this hub.”    

“I called the Caring for Carers team ‘angels’ because they were angels in my mind. To do that kind of job is amazing for me. And I will never ever forget what they did, ever.” 

Are you an unpaid carer that needs support? 

If you are an unpaid carer supporting someone under care at Watford General, Hemel Hempstead or St Albans City Hospital, you are welcome to drop into the Carers Hub, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for support, information and signposting. Email: westherts.caringforcarers@nhs.net or call 07977 069 888. 

Interested in becoming a Carer volunteer? 

If you are interested in being part of the Caring for Carers Service team supporting The Patricia Coulson Suite as a Carer volunteer, please do get in touch with Andrea Hone, Carers Lead Nurse – Please email with your contact number to westherts.caringforcarers@nhs.net