Waitemata DHB is using funds from Dry July to create a private, quiet space where patients and their family/whanau can go for a conversation often about receiving bad news related to a cancer diagnosis.

The DHB has received feedback that often a cancer diagnosis is made in four bedded rooms where there is a lack of privacy due not having dedicated spaces in the hospital for these types of conversations. The quiet room will offer a space for this. It will be appropriately furnished and be family focussed. It will be housed in a part of the hospital dedicated to relieving suffering and where spiritual support is available if needed. Patients will have the option to stay in the room with their family/whanau as necessary.