To a small child, hospital can be a frightening place. Children do not understand that they are there in order to get better. For a child being left alone with strangers is a terrifying experience, and it can be more distressing than the illness itself.

The Children’s Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital cares for children and babies from across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Every child who needs to stay overnight has the opportunity for a parent or carer to stay with them, and staff encourage this as much as possible. Having a parent or carer with the child at all times helps the family to cope with the trauma of illness, and can actively improve the treatment received.

We have agreed to provide eight folding beds to allow parents to stay next to their child’s bed during an overnight stay. MedEquip4Kids funded a parents’ room at the hospital four years ago, but this is in constant use by parents with babies on the neo-natal unit where it is impossible to sleep at the baby’s side. At busy times parents are being forced to sleep on upright chairs.

These folding beds meet all the safety standards that are necessary for hospitals. This project will improve the comfort of parents and carers at a very stressful time, and as a result allow the whole family to focus on the child’s recovery. Each bed costs £850.00 and we have been asked to provide eight. With delivery the total cost will be £6,950.00.

UPDATE:  These beds were delivered in March 2009