Cardiff & Vale Health Charity is proud to share a remarkable success story this World Heart Day, showcasing how charitable gifts in wills have helped transform the working environment for cardiac services staff at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW).
Thanks to the generosity of legacy donors, several key staff areas within the Cardiothoracic Directorate have undergone extensive refurbishment, significantly improving morale, collaboration, and ultimately, patient care.
From Disrepair to Dignified
Previously, staff changing rooms were in extremely poor condition, with leaking toilets, unusable showers, and inadequate facilities shared across tertiary services. These conditions not only failed to meet infection control standards but also negatively impacted staff wellbeing and the reputation of the service.
Now, three changing rooms have been completely refurbished, featuring:
- New shower, toilet, and sink facilities
- Fresh flooring, walls, and decoration
- Secure lockers, benches, and improved lighting
The transformation has made a profound difference to over 150 specialised staff — including cardiac nurses, physiologists, radiologists, consultant cardiologists, and external stakeholders — who use these facilities daily.
Creating Space for Excellence
In addition to the changing rooms, a small cardiology changing room along the corridor has been upgraded, and a new office workspace for resident doctors has been created. This quiet, private area allows resident doctors and nurses to write case notes and make clinical decisions in a calm environment — a key improvement highlighted in the HEIW report.
A further refurbishment within the corridor has created a communal hub for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) teams, including heart failure, psychology, cardiac rehab, ACHD, and practice educators. This space has brought previously siloed teams together, fostering collaboration and improving patient pathways.
“We used to work in what we called the ‘broom cupboard’. Now we have a lush office with a big window that opens. It’s perfect for training and collaboration.” – Louise, CNS
“Vast improvements from our previous workspace. A definite positive impact on us all.” – Sara, CNS
A Legacy That Lives On
With the final handover of the refurbishments, these upgrades have made staff feel valued and supported, enabling them to deliver the highest standard of care.
Evidence shows a clear link between staff wellbeing and patient experience. When staff feel cared for, patients benefit — creating a virtuous circle of compassion and excellence.
“The decision to invest endowment funds into refurbishing the Cardiothoracic department was driven by a clear need to improve both staff and patient environments. Historically, staff areas including offices, changing facilities, and rest spaces had not received any significant investment. This refurbishment represents a long overdue commitment to enhancing the working conditions for our teams, supporting wellbeing, morale, and professional functional spaces.
“In addition, the interior decoration of patient facing areas has been aligned to create a more cohesive and calming atmosphere across the department. By reducing the clinical feel and introducing more relaxed, thoughtfully designed spaces, we aim to improve patient experience and wellbeing during their stay.
“This investment supports a more integrated and collaborative departmental culture and reflects our commitment to creating a high-quality environment for both staff and patients.
“We cannot thank the generous donors of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity enough. We are incredibly grateful. This support means the world to us, and even more so to those whose lives have been changed.”
Ceri Phillips, Lead Nurse Cardiothoracic and Sian Williams, Senior Nurse
Leave a Legacy of Care
By leaving a gift in your will to Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, you can help create environments where staff thrive and patients receive the best care possible.
On this World Heart Day, consider making a lasting difference.
Your legacy could be the heartbeat of future care.
To find out more, visit: https://healthcharity.wales/giftinwills/
