A HOSPITAL ward today opened a visitor and patient room using donations made in memory of a deceased patient.

Ricky Roberts, of Elm Road, Slade Green, was admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, in May 2003 suffering from back pain.

While he was on the hospital's Cray Ward, the 56-year-old was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the lungs, spine, ribs and skull.

After three weeks of treatment, grandfather-of-two Mr Roberts was allowed to return home, where he died two weeks later surrounded by his family.

The former electrician's widow, Christine, 56, praised the efforts of the staff under ward manager May Grizzle to make the remainder of her husband's life as comfortable as possible.

She said: "When we learned he had terminal cancer Ricky asked not to be moved to the cancer ward because the nurses had been so good to him.

"They laughed and joked with him and did their very best for him.

"Nothing was too much trouble. May was always there with a kind word or encouragement."

After her husband's funeral, Mrs Roberts made a donation of £1,000.

She then discovered his friends and colleagues had also made a collection and raised a further £200.

Mrs Roberts said: "When I heard the news of Ricky's illness I needed somewhere to go and think. At the time, I used May's office.

"After it was all over May said she had a room available for that sort of thing but it would need to be changed."

The pair eventually decided the money should go towards a room where visitors and patients could take a break from the ward environment and meet each other and staff.

There will be a plaque dedicated to Mr Roberts outside the room.

Ms Grizzle said: "We are delighted the donation from the Roberts family has made this happen for future patients."

Hospital chief executive Kate Grimes said: "This is such a kind gesture by the family and their friends and I am very proud of the staff for providing Mr Roberts with a high level of care."

Mrs Roberts added: "It's lovely for the family and the grandchildren to know Ricky is not going to be forgotten."

For more on Queen Mary's Hospital, turn to page 12.