The Children’s Unit at the Royal Preston Hospital can take up to sixty children at any one time for medical or surgical treatment. Hospital can be a frightening place, and many children from small babies to older teens can benefit from multisensory stimulation – being taken out of the intimidating ward environment to a calm and stress-free room. Children might need to be kept calm prior to surgery or invasive procedures, or it might be that a fear has developed through repeated hospital treatment. Children with delayed development or special needs also benefit from using multisensory equipment such as interactive panels, fibre-optics and bubble tubes.

The current multisensory room in Preston is very basic, without much soft floor space. Over the years the equipment has become old and the room cannot at present accommodate children in bed cots and wheelchairs. MedEquip4Kids has agreed to update and improve the facilities at Preston to ensure that a wider range of children can benefit from the multi-sensory experience.

The new multi-sensory room will include a mirror ball, projector, music system, glitter wands, cushioning for the floor and wall, a colour match activity panel, (pictured) shelving and a lockable cupboard. The design also includes an Astro System designed to give the ceiling the appearance of the night sky. The overall design has been put together by trained medical staff who specialise in therapy and relaxation.

The total cost of the equipment and installation of the new multisensory room at Preston will be £12,802.79.