Children’s ward gets revamped parents’ suite thanks to a boost from hospital volunteers


Ward 25 Parents room opening collageA room used by parents of sick children at King’s Mill Hospital has been refurbished, thanks to a £46,000 charity boost.

The parents’ suite on the Children’s Ward at King’s Mill Hospital will help to make the lives of parents who have children that have to stay in hospital for long periods of time that little bit easier. Tired families can stay in the suite for respite or time together, or it can be used by parents to stay with their child whilst they get to grips with any special care that they might need before going home.

Thanks to a donation of £40,000 from the hospital’s volunteers and a £6,000 donation from Pentagon Vauxhall Mansfield, the revamp has seen the suite turned into a self-contained flat with double bedroom, ensuite bathroom, a living area with television and a kitchenette.

King’s Mill Hospitals’ Children’s Ward Leader, Sarah Limb, said: “We’re incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to open this brand new suite for the parents of children on our ward. It’s really important that we’re able to offer a space for parents and families to stay close to their children, helping them to feel involved in their care but maintain as much normality as possible during a stressful time. It also gives parents somewhere to go to relax.

“It’s a useful room to have because if children with complex needs are ready to go home but need some care carried out at home by their parents, the family can move into the suite for a short period of time so that they are in a home-like environment whilst they learn how to adapt to the care needed and become more confident with it, but clinical help is just down the corridor if it is required.

“We’ve needed this suite for a long time and we are really grateful to the hospital’s volunteers and Pentagon Vauxhall Mansfield for making this refurb possible. Parents have been asking for it for a long time and so we spoke to them and asked them exactly what they wanted from the suite in advance. I think it has turned out perfectly and many parents and families agree.”

Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ Voluntary Services Chair, Jill Smallwood, added: “We are truly grateful for the support that we receive from our local community who assist us to raise much-needed funds to enrich services at King’s Mill Hospital. The suite will be a great asset for parents and will assist our staff to provide the best possible experience for families.”

Pentagon Vauxhall Mansfield also contributed to the funding of the renovation by making Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity its charity of the year. The company donated almost £6,000.

Pentagon Vauxhall Mansfield’s Franchise Support Manager, Hollie Fensome, said: “It was a pleasure to work in partnership with the staff and volunteers at King’s Mill Hospital as our chosen charity for 2016/17. Raising money for such a fantastic cause so close to many of my colleagues’ and their family’s hearts was very rewarding. It’s great to know that the money being raised has gone towards such a worthy local need.”

Funding of almost £800 also came from the Ollerton Extravaganza, a fun day which was organised by one of the families that have received care on the children’s ward.

The Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity and volunteers fund a number of projects, new equipment and initiatives across the Trust, thanks to kind donations and fundraising efforts from individuals, community groups and businesses. If you would like to contribute to the Trust’s next worthwhile project, you can find out more on the charity’s website or donate via JustGiving.