The Challenge
At George Eliot Hospital, the Chaplaincy Team plays a vital role in providing emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support to patients, visitors, and staff. However, they faced a significant challenge — there was no private or dedicated space to meet with grieving families or staff members who may be struggling. The shared Chaplains’ office lacked the privacy needed for confidential conversations, counselling, or quiet reflection. Compounding the issue, the Chaplaincy department did not have an allocated budget to create or furnish such a space.
The Solution
To address this gap, the Chaplaincy Team identified a double-seat Dapapod – a soundproof, self-contained meeting pod as the ideal solution. They submitted a formal grant application to George Eliot Hospital Charity, outlining the need for a dedicated, quiet, and confidential space. Understanding the importance of supporting emotional and spiritual well-being within the hospital, GEH Charity recognised this as an essential enhancement and approved the funding request.
The Results
The double-seat Dapapod was successfully ordered, delivered, and installed just outside the Chaplains’ Office. It now provides a calm, soundproofed, and confidential environment for bereavement support, one-to-one counselling, and private conversations with staff and visitors. In addition to improving the Chaplaincy’s ability to provide meaningful support, the Dapapod also allows the existing office space to serve as an additional prayer or reflection area when the main Chapel is in use. This thoughtful addition enhances the hospital’s ability to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of its community — ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone.
