Hospital goes purple

The cash was raised by staff, patients and the public to help Rotherham Hospital Charity secure a second room.

The suite is equipped with specialist lighting and comfortable seating plus private sleeping facilities for family members.

Charity development officer Tracy Williams said: “The Purple Butterfly Appeal is going from strength to strength.

“I’m extremely proud that we have been able to open a second suite.

“The support for the appeal has been amazing, so much so that we are already raising funds for a third suite.”

The suite — located between the stroke unit and Fitzwilliam ward — is described by the hospital as a home-from-home facility.

It is there for patients who are unable to spend their last few days at home.

The appeal was supported by the hospital’s comfort fund, the special events committee, and businesses including Holiday Inn and Rotherham Titans.

Matron for integrated medicine Jacky Fairfax said: “We are really pleased with the new Purple Butterfly Suite and extremely grateful to the charity and its supporters for the donations and hard work which has contributed to its opening.

“It will provide invaluable benefits to patients and their families, with comfortable surroundings and facilities that mean our patients can remain in the company of their loved ones for as long as they can.”

For further information about the charity, call Tracy on 01709 427589. To donate, text TRFT13 to 70070.