Fundraising kick-started for children’s ward

Monday 21 June 2010

Children requiring hospital stays at East Surrey Hospital will benefit from a High Dependency Unit (HDU) in the future, thanks to children’s charity Rockinghorse’s latest fundraising campaign.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Cllr. David Pay, launched the charity’s appeal for the £45,000 unit, which will be for children who require more intensive observation, treatment and nursing care than can be provided on a general ward, but who do not need full intensive care treatment.

Outwood Ward is the children’s ward of the East Surrey Hospital, which is part of the Surrey and Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. It is the main hospital for the whole of North Sussex and East Surrey however, currently, children requiring high dependency care tend to travel up to London or to The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

Corrin Perry is a Senior Staff Nurse at the ward and she explained how the project will make a difference: “In the last three to four years the children we’ve been seeing have definitely been more sick and so to have a designated space for high dependency care will be a wonderful boost.

“For children not having to go up to London to the nearest High Dependency Unit will mean that families are able to be close by, which is clearly so important for any recuperating child.

“It is proven too, that children get better faster if they do not have to travel for the care. As a mother of two, I recognise how the whole family will benefit. It’s clearly going to make such a difference for everyone.”

There are a number of ways in which you can help make life better for sick and disabled children in your area. Whether it be by taking part in a challenge event, such as next year’s Brighton Marathon or a skydive; signing your business up as a Rockinghorse Corporate Champion and committing to raise £1,500 over the course of a year; or simply volunteering your time: there is a way for you to get involved.

To find out more about the new unit, or to make a donation, call 01273 730286.