A Legacy of Love: New Carers Hub opens at Watford General in memory of former patient
A new, dedicated Carers Hub at Watford General Hospital is offering comfort, support, and a safe space for carers, inspired by the memory of a former patient, Patricia (Pat) Coulson.
Officially opened on Friday 12 June, the Patricia Coulson Suite provides vital support, guidance, and a welcoming environment for carers and families while their loved ones receive hospital care.
A space created by carers, for carers
The Hub will offer practical and emotional support for carers, as well as a space for West Herts Hospital staff who balance their professional roles with caring responsibilities.
By strengthening links with community organisations, the Hub will ensure carers can access essential support as patients transition from hospital back into the community. It will also expand opportunities for Carer Volunteers to support patients, families, and carers across the Trust.
The opening coincides with Carers Week, which this year focuses on ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’ and recognising the difference that support networks can make to the lives of carers.
Flying high for Pat
The Hub is named in honour of Patricia (Pat) Coulson. Pat had lifelong disabilities, and her sister, Sue Shaw, became her dedicated carer following the death of their mother 27 years ago.
To fund the suite, Sue took to the skies, completing a daring wing walk at Duxford Airfield by standing on the wing of an aircraft during flight. The incredible total of £5,300 was raised for West Herts Hospitals Charity through a combination of Sue’s main JustGiving page and an additional In Memory JustGiving page that she set up to honour her sister. Combined with funding from the charity, these donations helped to create and furnish the new Hub.
Sue was motivated by the exceptional care her family received from the Trust’s Caring for Carers team during Pat’s final weeks of life.
“It was like having a family member there to help you,” said Sue. “I didn’t know these people, but they wanted to help us. They understood that this isn’t just about the person who’s passing, it’s about the people who are there to care for them.”
Sue and Pat
Reflecting on the official opening, Sue said:
“Opening the suite has made me the proudest sister because my sister’s legacy will live on through this room and through this hub.”
A proud moment
Sue officially opened the Patricia Coulson Suite alongside Andrea Hone, Caring for Carers Lead, Kelly McGovern, Chief Nurse, and Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity.
Our CEO Alison Rosen, expressed her gratitude for Sue’s achievement:
“We are so proud to have supported the creation of the Patricia Coulson Suite. Sue’s incredible fundraising efforts have helped create a space that will provide comfort and support for carers for years to come.”
