The Accident and Emergency Department at the Royal Preston Hospital has recently opened a new Children’s Reception and Waiting Area. The Children’s A&E treats an average of 14,000 children each year from across much of Lancashire, and the new facility is much more child-friendly and welcoming than the former A&E Department. The new unit is exclusively for children, and eliminates the need for children to be sharing a waiting area with adults, which at busy times can be intimidating and dangerous.

Unfortunately the NHS is unable to provide funding for toys and games, and so the Play Specialists at the hospital have asked us to secure charitable funding to ensure that children who need to visit Accident and Emergency are kept occupied. Much of the time spent in the unit is in the waiting area, and waits can be as long as two hours, so it is important that a range of toys for children of all ages is available.

We aim to provide a range of comfortable seating including beanbags, activity boards, a play house and a range of toys for younger children.

This area will be invaluable as a distraction for young people awaiting assessment.   By keeping children occupied and separate from adults the unit will feel calmer and help to reduce stress in all patients and their families as well as staff.

The total cost will be £1,741.25. All ongoing maintenance will be met by the NHS Trust.

UPDATE:  We have now secured the funds for this project from our supporters in the Preston area, and can purchase the toys.