St Margaret’s Hospital unveils revamped Epping Forest Unit

The Epping Forest Unit at St Margaret’s Hospital now features fully refurbished day rooms designed to boost social interaction and mobility among patients, thanks to £2,015 from the League of Friends and £9,447 from the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Louise Mead, chair of Epping Forest District Council, who visited the unit during an open day, said: “What fantastic work everyone has done to get these rooms so inviting.

“The smiles on those patients’ faces were so heart-warming.”

Therapeutic spaces blend books, games, and greenery for patient wellbeing (Image: The League of Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital) The redesign encourages patients to spend time out of bed in a comfortable, social environment to help reduce the risks associated with prolonged bed rest.

The new rooms include armchairs, coffee tables, dining areas for meals with visitors, board games, books, and craft materials.

Art, plants, and forest views shape Epping’s redesigned recovery spaces (Image: The League of Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital) Musical instruments, indoor plants, and large windows offering views of the nearby forest add to the welcoming atmosphere.

The walls are decorated with artwork by Harlow College students.

Colourful chairs and bunting bring warmth to hospital social areas (Image: The League of Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital) The rooms were officially opened on July 23.

The open day included a music session in which patients and guests joined in together.

Therapy dogs and their owners are also regular visitors to the unit.