Donation boost for children’s bay at Solihull’s Urgent Treatment Centre

PLANS to create a new paediatric bay for younger patients at Solihull Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) has been given a cash boost.

Variety, the Children’s Charity, has donated £5,000 to Solihull Hospital Charity to provide a dedicated safe space for children and their parents in a bid to make trip to hospital less stressful and scary.

Solihull’s UTC sees more than 80 patients every day, including a large number of children.

Laurence Guinness, chief executive of Variety, the Children’s Charity, said: “We are thrilled to contribute £5,000 to Solihull Hospital Charity to create a children’s bay in the Urgent Treatment Centre – a gesture made possible through the Midlands Props Awards.

“At Variety, the Children’s Charity, our mission is to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. This donation underscores our commitment to supporting healthcare facilities that play a crucial role in caring for vulnerable children.”

With support from Variety, the Children’s Charity, the paediatric bay in the Centre has been transformed into a bright and engaging space, helping to ease anxiety for younger patients and make their hospital experience the best it can be.

Hospital bosses say the area is much more welcoming and provides distractions for children such as toys, colouring and games which has helped staff interact and communicate with younger patients whilst obtaining information about their health problems, leading to better diagnosis and faster treatment.

Charlotte Schofield, director of fundraising at Solihull Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Variety, the Children’s Charity to transform the paediatric bay.

“This is a very important project and we’re so grateful for the donations and support to help our youngest patients at Solihull Hospital.

“Visiting hospital can be an anxious time for anyone, especially a child and they can struggle to communicate with staff.

“The new paediatric bay helps them feel more relaxed, making the hospital experience less stressful for them, their families and the staff.”