0116 258 8709
uhl-tr.lhcharitymailbox@nhs.net
No one should have to say goodbye from a distance.
Help us provide Z-beds so families can stay with their loved ones when it matters most.
When patients are placed on end of life care, being close matters more than anything. Our hospitals strive to offer relatives the chance to stay overnight but too often, this simple act of compassion is limited by the availability of Z-beds;
Fold-out beds that can go alongside the patient beds.
When patients are placed on end-of-life care, families are often invited
to stay overnight. However, due to limited z-bed availability, this is not always
possible.
Our dedicated staff can spend over 6 hours trying to locate a Z-bed.
1 in 3 families miss the opportunity to stay overnight. This means that at one of the most difficult times in life, families may be separated simply due to a lack of resources.
Ask the expert
We sat down with Michael Reeve the Quality Excellence Support Worker at our hospital, to hear why Z-beds are important for families.
Be part of the change
We’ve developed and tested a practical, proven approach improving access across several of our wards. We’ve mapped out where beds are located
across wards and hospitals and have introduced a clear five-step standardised system to reduce delays.
With your support, all families will receive a Z-bed should they request one, and we will continue to reduce waiting time from 6+ hours to under 1 hour.
Why we need your support
We need to fund up to 40 additional Z-beds to ensure every ward has beds available. We need to raise £55,200*. Your support will help to reduce delays and uncertainty, and will also provide our staff with contingency supplies when demand is high.
*Any funds raised above £55,200 will be directed to support the area of greatest need at our hospital.
We aim to:
- Purchase up to 40 additional Z-beds
- Distribute beds across hospital sites
- Create a central contingency supply
- Ensure equitable access for all wards
This will allow every family the opportunity to stay when they need it most.
David’s story
“We didn’t want Dad to be alone
Nothing prepares you for sitting beside someone you love, knowing you are saying goodbye.
Dad was admitted to the hospital with heart problems but during treatment doctors discovered a perforated stomach ulcer, which caused devastating complications. Suddenly, we went from hoping he would recover to being told we were going to lose him.
My brother, sister and I stayed by his side as much as we possibly could. We didn’t want him to be alone during those final days.”