PATIENTS do not often look forward to time in hospital, but the promise of a manicure and a cut and blow dry may change that.
Warwick Hospital has opened the first hospital-based hair and beauty salon in the country.
‘Kissing it Better’ is staffed entirely by students from Warwickshire College and is a joint venture between the hospital, the college, and charity Kissing it Better, which works with community groups to improve care and experience for patients.
Research shows there is much benefit to providing treatments to those patients, especially those with dementia.
Director of nursing Helen Lancaster said: “I am really pleased that we have launched the salon at Warwick Hospital.
“Spending time in hospital can be distressing so it is important we do everything we can to make the experience as comfortable as possible for our patients. Feeling like yourself is really essential for any recovery, and something as simple as having your hair or nails done can help this.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Kissing it Better and the students at Warwickshire College Group who have made the salon possible.”
The salon – which has been had equipment donated and installed by Salon Services – was opened by physician, comedian and commentator Dr Phil Hammond, who is the patron of Kissing it Better.
Hair and Beauty Director for Kissing it Better, Carole Richardson, said: “We are thrilled with the initial success of our partnership with Warwickshire College Group and hope this continues for years to come.
“To see the smiles on the patients’ faces is extremely rewarding and it’s fantastic to see the students developing their skills in a very different environment.”
The salon is open between 11am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Call 01926 495321 ext 6580 for more information or to book an appointment.
