HOSPITAL staff at a children’s ward were the ones receiving special treatment after one of their teenage patients who has a serious health condition decided to renovate their staff room.

Following five years of caring for Diabetes Type 1 sufferer Sophie Washington, staff at Bluebell Ward in Lister Hospital have been rewarded with the ‘Angels’ Rest Room’, after the 14-year-old took on the project to show her thanks.

“Sophie saw the staff room one day and saw how awful it was and she wanted to do something about that,” said Sophie’s mum, Lisa, at the official opening on Friday.

“We got local companies to help such as Clifdon Building Services who helped fit the kitchen and in August Tim (Sophie’s dad) took a week off work to get it ready.

“It really means a lot to the staff here and if it wasn’t for their help and support she wouldn’t be here today.

“We just wanted to give something back.”

The refurbishment, which includes new sofas and kitchen appliances, cost �4,000 and comes as part of a continued fundraising campaign by Sophie. With the help of various community groups, local businesses and individuals, so far Sophie has raised �8,000 which has enabled the Lister and Welwyn GC’s QEII hospital to buy constant glucose monitoring equipment, as well as new outdoor toys and a guinea pig hutch for the Bluebell Ward.