"The newly refurbished spaces help children and their parents feel more at home during a very difficult time.”

Thanks to your donations, the Paediatric Neurosciences Ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital has undergone a £100,000 refurbishment.

Local businesses, non-profit organisations and other supporters including Harry’s Star, Gateley’s, Determined Dan, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (formerly Brain Tumour Research & Support), Mr Alastair Hagues, Will’s Way and the Parmar family have all substantially supported the project.

This project has transformed the ward environment including; a new fully equipped kitchen, the refurbishment of four ensuite shower rooms, and the installation of ceiling hoists.

The ward cares for children with brain or spinal injuries and neurological conditions. These young patients often spend lots of time on the ward following operations and rehabilitation, so require specialist care and support around the clock.

Sarah Rice has been on the ward for the past seven weeks with her 16-year-old daughter Maddie who suffers from severe epilepsy and has been cared for at Leeds Children’s Hospital for more than 10 years.

With no other family members allowed to visit during the coronavirus pandemic, Sarah and Maddie see the ward as their ‘home away from home.’ Sarah said, “The atmosphere is really lovely for children who aren’t well, it’s bright and airy and colourful. We’ve welcomed having our own space and privacy on the ward, the kitchen and ensuite are clean and modern with comfy chairs, a TV and even lovely touches from the staff like biscuits!”

Thanks to the ceiling track hoists, patients with little mobility or who struggle with their balance can be safely moved from their bed to other areas on the ward. The new kitchen provides a quiet space away from the ward beds, where parents can take a break and is complete with a breakfast bar, television, and comfy sofas.

For young patients and families who need to be kept in isolation during COVID-19, the refurbishment of the ensuite rooms has provided a modern and comfortable space separate from more clinical areas.

Julie Cooper, Senior Sister on the ward said, “Some children can spend weeks or even months at a time on the ward with their families. During the coronavirus outbreak when young patients are isolated on the ward, the newly refurbished spaces help children and their parents feel more at home during a very difficult time.”