New Intensive Care Unit balcony opens at Warrington Hospital

A new balcony for patients on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Warrington Hospital has officially opened thanks to a generous £140,000 donation from Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends and support from WHH Charity.

The space is already making a meaningful difference to some of the hospital’s most critically unwell patients, offering a safe and secure outdoor area where they can enjoy fresh air, a change of scenery and time away from the clinical environment.

Previously, patients who were mobile but still required ICU care would need to take a 10-minute journey off the unit to access external public garden areas within the hospital grounds. For patients who are non-mobile, including those receiving end of life care, opportunities to access outdoor space were extremely limited.

The new balcony changes this completely, providing direct access from the ICU through the conversion of two existing windows into doors. One of the doorways has been specially designed to accommodate a hospital bed, ensuring patients can be supported outside safely alongside their loved ones.

The funding also supported the refurbishment of the family room, helping to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for families and visitors during their time on the unit.

Nicola Allison, nurse manager, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the balcony in use and to witness the difference it is already making. Patients and families have been able to share moments together in a peaceful outdoor space that simply wasn’t possible before.

“It brings a sense of calm and comfort into what can be a very intense environment, and it has quickly become a very special part of the unit.”

The project has been warmly welcomed by staff, patients and families, providing a peaceful outdoor retreat that enhances care and brings comfort at some of the most important moments for patients and their families.

Helen Higginson, head of fundraising at WHH Charity, said: “This is a fantastic example of how generosity from our supporters can directly improve care for patients.

“The difference this space is already making is something to be truly proud of, and we are incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for helping to make it happen.”

If you would like to support patient experience and help make a difference to future projects like this, please visit our fundraising page or contact the fundraising team at whh.charity@nhs.net.