New RUH multi-faith centre plans on show

People of all faiths or none are being invited to see the latest plans for a new multi-faith centre at Bath's Royal United Hospital.

Visitors will be able to view the designs, seating and artwork proposals and speak to the project team and chaplaincy staff about the new building. There's also a competition to help choose a name for the new space.

The invitation days are being held on 2-3 October in the Lansdown foyer of the RUH from 11.30am-2.30pm

RUH Lead Chaplain Narinder Tegally said: "The new purpose-built centre will help us in our aim to provide religious and spiritual care to people with diverse needs from all backgrounds, culture, all faiths and none – and of course this support extends not just to patients, but to relatives, carers and staff."

The multi-faith centre is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of November. It will create a modern space accessible and open 24 hours a day for people to talk, reflect, pray or simply gather their thoughts. Ablution and prayer spaces will be available for those who need them, as well a quiet and private area for confidential and sensitive conversations. It will include a peaceful courtyard garden with planting, seating and sculpture.

The building is part of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust's 'Fit for the Future' development plan to transform the site and further improve services for patients.

If you are interested in supporting the new multi-faith centre project (for example by helping to fund an item of equipment for the new centre or an item for its courtyard garden), we would very much like to hear from you. All funds received will help us to create a peaceful sanctuary amidst the busy, and at times emotionally challenging, day-to-day life of the RUH.

To donate to the multi-faith centre, please contact Jan Witt (In Memory & Legacy Officer) from the Forever Friends Appeal on 01225 825819 or jan.witt@nhs.net

The Chaplaincy Team can be contacted on 01225 824039

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust provides acute treatment and care for a catchment population of around 500,000 people in Bath, and the surrounding towns and villages in North East Somerset and Western Wiltshire. The hospital provides healthcare to the population served by four Clinical Commissioning Groups: Bath & North East Somerset CCG, Wiltshire CCG, Somerset CCG and South Gloucestershire CCG.
• The Trust has 759 beds and a comprehensive range of acute services including medicine and surgery, services for women and children, accident and emergency services, and diagnostic and clinical support services.
• In 2015 The Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was acquired the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) NHS Foundation Trust. The RNHRD treats patients from across the country offering services in rheumatology, chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome/ME.
• The RUH is changing - we have an exciting programme of redevelopment underway transforming our site and further improving the services we provide. The Trust is now working towards building a purpose built RNHRD and Therapies Centre and a new Dyson Cancer Centre. For more details visit: www.ruh.nhs.uk/fit4future

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