TATTY chairs and bleak walls have been replaced with a comfy sofa, chairs, colourful pictures and a kettle and cups for hot drinks at a relatives' room at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Staff at the hospital's emergency department decided to revamp the room to help make things a little easier for people when waiting for news of a loved one.

The refurbishment was funded by a £10,000 Depart-ment of Health bonus for emergency matrons to spend on improving their working environment.

The matron in charge at the time, Mike Hayward, opted to spruce up the relatives' room and turn an old suture theatre into a smart new multi-purpose meeting room.

Cathy Lakin, divisional senior nurse for emergency care, said: "We wanted to make relatives feel as comfortable as possible while they are in the department.

"It's important for them to have this restful room where they can wait. We know that lots of people don't like hospitals which is why we've made such an effort to create a homely feeling in this room."

She also pointed out that the meeting room has been a real asset: "It's not just staff who will benefit from this room. We have had lots of meetings with public involvement and voluntary groups in here.

"Plus, it is an excellent education and training resource for staff. There is always something new for staff to learn so it's great to have such good facilities."