A special quiet room for patients who have been given a cancer diagnosis has been set up with money raised by the community through the annual Pink Walks in Rotorua.
A former store room in the outpatient department has been transformed at the hands of Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust's foundationchairwoman Jenny Brell, who is resigning after five years with the trust.
The transformation has cost about $1000 to re-decorate with soft autumn colours, a table and lounge suite.
Maori health cancer nurse Tirita Olsen said every Friday was the oncology clinic and often people received bad news from the doctor but had no where to go to let it sink in.
The room provided perfect space for patients, supporters or family, she said.
"The clinic can be very full and busy and this room offers a place they can retreat to ... It's somewhere to come where patients can sit and sort through news they have been given in the clinic. It gives them the opportunity to gather their thoughts and think. It's a beautiful place where people can come together."
Mrs Brell said her part in decorating the room was her parting gesture to the trust as she left to spend more time with family and doing things for herself.
She sees the room as somewhere special for patients to retreat to.
Current trust chairwoman and Mayoress Sue Winters said it was a private space.
"It's nice to have somewhere to come that isn't clinical. It's a homely setting and somewhere special."
Outpatient manger Kelly thomson said many staff took part in the Pink Walk and could see the benefit of such a room.
"It's nice for staff and the community to know the money raised on the walk has made this possible ... it's a family friendly place where people can come and relax ... it's a quality initiative providing a place for patients and family."
