Watford FC pitches in to support West Herts Hospital NHS Trust staff

All staff from Hemel Hempstead Hospital will be able to swap busy wards and offices for spacious conference facilities and the serenity of an empty terrace overlooking Watford FC's pitch at 'TeamWestHerts Sanctuary.

Most of the country’s football clubs have shut up shop but Watford FC has opened its doors at Vicarage Road for all hospital staff, including nurses, doctors, managers, cleaners and porters.

What began as a request for meeting rooms so Watford General hospital could plan its COVID-19 response, in a room big enough to enable social distancing, has ended up as a full-blown wellbeing facility, and all for free.

West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust, manages Hemel Hempstead Hospital, Watford General Hospital, and St Albans City Hospital, and a free shuttle bus is now running between the three sites, meaning that staff from all three hospitals can make use of ‘TeamWestHerts Sanctuary’.

This bus is sponsored by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Golden Tours.

Breakfast and lunch is provided and there is overnight accommodation, seating areas where staff can chat together after a tough shift and spaces to reflect and be alone.

There are also counselling rooms for staff who want help with the emotional trauma that comes from working during such a difficult time.

For anyone who wishes to remember loved ones who have died during the outbreak, the chaplaincy team from West Herts Hospital NHS Trust has created a memorial room at the club.

The shift of scene has had an amazing impact on staff. Chief executive Christine Allen said: “Watford General is only a few yards away, but the environment is miles apart and really seems to lift the mood.

"Of course, football fans want to see the pitch full of players, but for us, the empty green space has a very calming effect.

"And whilst our sole focus is our patients, the ability to get away makes all the difference.

“The demands on staff, especially those caring for our sickest patients, have been huge.

"Having a space to talk about the day or just sit and reflect after work and before going home can really help staff manage their stress.

"This in turn helps them provide the best care for our patients.”

The facilities are on offer for at least the next month.