A FUNDRAISING drive to create a new paediatric bay for younger patients at Solihull Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) has been launched.
The Rotary Club of Solihull St Alphege wants to raise £5,000 to fund the bay in the UTC which will be put into place by Solihull Hospital Charity to provide a dedicated safe space for children and their parents in a bid to make trip to hospital less stressful and scary.
Solihull’s UTC sees more than 80 patients every day, including a large number of children.
It is hoped the new area will be bright and engaging, transforming the current space from a cold and clinical environment into somewhere much more welcoming for younger patients to make their hospital experience the best it can be.
The space is said to provide much needed distractions for children, including toys, colouring and games to help them feel less anxious and afraid of hospital which will help staff interact and communicate with younger patients whilst obtaining information about their health problems, leader to better diagnosis and faster treatment.
Charlotte Schofield, director of fundraising at Solihull Hospital Charity said, “We are extremely grateful to St. Alphege Rotary Club for supporting us with this important project.
“Visting hospital can be an anxious time for anyone, particularly a child and they can struggle to communicate with staff.
“The new paediatric bay will feature colourful wall art, mind games and comforters to distract younger patients, helping them feel more relaxed and making the hospital experience less stressful for them, their families and the staff.”
Norman Kaphan, project chairman of St. Alphege Rotary Club said: “Our Club is very excited to be involved in this important development together with the Solihull Hospital Charity.
“The mission of Rotary is “Service To Others” and this is worldwide. In the UK, Rotary Clubs do much to support their local communities and we are proud of all that our St. Alphege Club has contributed to Solihull during the past 47 years.
“With ongoing local support, we look forward to the years ahead of helping many children in the new paediatric bay and other children’s projects.”
For more or to donate visit www.rotarystalphege.org.uk or search Solihull Rotary childrens area on the Just Giving website.
