The new-look children’s department at Ipswich Hospital has officially opened with a celebratory tea party for former and current patients, parents and staff.
The multi-million pound project has seen the whole unit refurbished and extended. A new ward and extra clinic spaces have been created, along with a school room, children’s assessment unit, outdoor play area and themed receptions and waiting areas.
New treatment rooms, a high dependency bay and a calming sanctuary room for patients with mental health difficulties have also been added.
The project was paid for by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs the hospital, and funds raised through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Children’s Appeal.
Dr Lauren Filby, consultant paediatrician at Ipswich Hospital, said: “We are delighted that this fantastic project is now complete. The work has transformed a dated, cramped area into a bright and welcoming space which will enhance the experience that young patients, their families and carers have when they come to hospital.
“We’re proud that we can now offer a high quality, modern environment which matches the gold standard of care our teams provide.”
Debbie and Darryl Streatfield visited the unit often in the past, as daughter Ava was regularly admitted with chest infections and respiratory problems as a result of her cerebral palsy.
The family struggled with the lack of disabled bathroom facilities while also finding it difficult to negotiate the narrow corridors with a wheelchair, which they fed back to ESNEFT when the designs for the revamp were being drawn up.
Fortunately, 14-year-old Ava’s health has been more stable recently and the family have not needed frequent admissions to the department. But they still welcome the changes – and especially the creation of dedicated wet rooms and a special Changing Places toilet.
“The unit is so much brighter and more spacious, and the access has improved significantly,” said Debbie. “The design is really nice, and we particularly like the lighting.
“We are so fortunate that we do not have to use the unit as much anymore, but there are many more children still coming through the doors who will benefit from these changes. It is nice to think that we helped that to happen in some small way by giving our feedback on the improvements which would make a difference to families like ours.”
Steph Hawley, whose daughter Ella (nine) has been receiving treatment for epilepsy and other complications since she was a baby, also helped shape the plans for the new-look department.
She said: “It’s a really lovely, bright space which is very child-friendly and inviting. The department is so much more spacious and I really like the fact there’s a separate area for teenagers.
“Because the unit has more room, it feels really calm and well-organised. Ella really likes it too!”
May Mackay-Morris and husband Luke visit the department for outpatient appointments with 12-year-old Forrest, who has cystic fibrosis.
The extra space created by the work has made a big difference as it is now easier for Forrest to avoid close contact with others so that he can stay clear of infections.
“The new facilities are lovely – much better and brighter,” sad May. “Bringing Forrest into the unit is now much less stressful as the extra space means he can be immediately isolated in a separate room during triage which takes away some of our worry.
“Access to the department is also much better and lots of the little touches which have been added are making a real difference.”
Mandy Jordan, associate director for charities and voluntary services with ESNEFT, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our charity appeal. Their generosity is making a huge difference to young patients and their families and will continue to do so for years to come.
“The fantastic support we have received has allowed us to fund those all-important extras, such as the play spaces and sensory equipment. We hope these features will not only make our young patients’ stay in hospital easier, but will also help their recovery.”
