Two communal areas on the renal ward at the Lister Hospital have been refurbished, thanks to donations made in memory of a grateful patient.

The East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity officially opened the new-look day and quiet rooms on Ward 6A at the Stevenage hospital.

The makeover was made possible thanks to kind donations made in memory of Steve Gilbey, who sadly died of kidney disease last year.

His wife Ros Aird attended the launch along with Praveen Jeevaratnam, consultant nephrologist and renal vascular access lead at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

Together they unveiled a plaque made in Steve’s name, which will be displayed on the ward.

After his diagnosis Steve had been a dialysis patient on the ward, although was later able to carry out the procedure at home using a specialist machine provided by the NHS.

Ros is a dedicated supporter of the renal unit and an active member of the Lister Area Kidney Patients Association (LAKPA).

She said: “When Steve died last year it was devastating but I knew he would want me to recognise how much we appreciated the way in which we had been treated.

“I resolved that I would sell some shares his mother had left him and offer the proceeds to the renal unit to use as they saw fit for the benefit of patients. Steve was a much-loved only child, so I knew that she would have approved.

“For my part I will always be grateful to all the lovely people in the renal unit and I hope this refurbishment will help that care to continue.”

Photos: Ros Aird and consultant nephrologist Praveen Jeevaratnam at the plaque unveiling

Click here to read Ros and Steve’s full story about kidney disease and dialysis – and why this donation is their way of showing their appreciation for how they had been treated