Posted on 26 February 2026
Staff and patients on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) are now benefiting from newly refurbished staff and psychology rooms, following the successful completion of a project supported by the League of Friends.
MCSI is a specialist unit providing expert care and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries. With more than 100 staff working across nursing, therapy, medical, psychology and resettlement services, the ward operates around the clock to support patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
The refurbishment project focused on improving two vital spaces within the unit – the staff room and the psychology room. Staff on the MCSI ward work long demanding 12 hour shifts, providing not only physical care but also emotional support to patients adjusting to life changing injuries.
Until now, the existing staff room was too small to comfortably accommodate the number of staff needing rest space during breaks. At the same time, the psychology room is where patients and families take part in deeply sensitive and often emotional conversations. Creating a calm, accessible and supportive environment for these sessions is essential.
The completed project involved repurposing and refreshing both rooms to better meet these needs.
The larger former psychology room has been transformed into a spacious, comfortable staff room, giving staff a protected place to rest and recharge. To further enhance the environment, a stunning wall mural has been installed.
The former staff room has been redesigned as a dedicated psychology space, with improvements to accessibility to ensure it can accommodate all wheelchair users and beds safely and comfortably.
The result is two thoughtfully designed environments that support wellbeing on both sides of care – a restorative space for staff and a peaceful, welcoming setting for patients and their families during psychological support sessions.
The project was made possible thanks to a generous financial contribution of £35,563 from the hospital’s League of Friends.
Hannah Cheesman, MCSI Matron, said: “These spaces play a crucial role in the day to day life of our ward. Having environments that truly support our staff and patients makes a real difference – we are incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for helping us make this happen.”
Victoria Sugden, League of Friends CEO, said: “We are proud to have supported this project, which has created two welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces for both staff and patients on MCSI.
“The wellbeing of staff and the emotional support of patients are so closely linked, and this refurbishment recognises the importance of both. Supporting improvements like this is at the heart of what the League of Friends exists to do.”
Share this article:
