HOSPITAL charities are calling on Silhillians to dig deep and help raise funds to transform their Children’s Outpatient Departments.
Heartlands Hospital Charity and Good Hope Hospital Charity aims to raise £250,000 to revamp the departments and make them more welcoming for the 120,000 young patients they see every year, during what can be a daunting time with repeat appointments.
The Heartlands Charity wants to help out the Children’s Outpatients and Physiotherapy Departments and the Good Hope charity wants to make the Children’s Physiotherapy Department more child-friendly.
Previously the charities have contributed to the refurbishment of the children’s wards where young patients can stay for weeks at a time and a playground, providing a fun and safe space for the children to play as part of their recovery from treatment.
Paediatric matron at Heartlands Hospital, Piper Wilkins said, “For parents, the wall decoration is an immediate indicator that they are entering a children’s area, and for our young patients it makes it less scary for them and more inviting with the different themed murals on the walls from jungle animals and pirates to hot air balloons and flowers.
“The outdoor play area has been a big hit with our young patients and is a multifunctional, safe space enabling staff to support those with both mental and physical disabilities. It’s helped staff to provide therapy to patients in a fun environment and helps build the bond between staff and patients.
“We can’t thank Heartlands Hospital Charity enough for understanding our needs and helping us create a more welcoming environment for our young patients and a big thank you to all the fabulous donors because without you, none of this would be possible.”
The new play area for the physiotherapy team will be similar to the one created for the inpatients but will be more appropriate space for staff to assess their young patients’ progression, whilst making it more engaging and fun for the patients during their multiple appointments.
Inside it is hoped to brighten up the Outpatient and Physiotherapy Departments at Heartlands, and Physiotherapy Department at Good Hope Hospital, making a more welcoming space for children and parents.
For more information, visit the website at www.hospitalcharity.org/children andyoungpeople
