Rotary in the Community: QA Children's Ward

In December 2024 the new children’s emergency department at Queen Alexandra Hospital was opened by the Princess Royal. This is part of a larger, modernised Emergency Department (ED) that opened in November 2024. The new ED features a dedicated area for children, including a separate entrance, waiting room, resuscitation area, and ward. It boasts enhanced facilities like an observed play area and sensory room for children and also provides a more private and comfortable environment for all patients.
Once in use, it was identified that the clinical spaces would benefit from decoration that would provide a warm and friendly environment for children of all ages. Our Club, working with other local Rotary Clubs, each donated £1000 towards the cost of decorating the new department with the aim of providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere for the children. The pictures show the end result and the Club is justifiably proud of the outcome, demonstrating once more the benefit of collaboration and how Rotary can have a significant impact in local communities.
It is now planned to provide further funding to decorate other areas in this department, including the ceiling above the X-ray bed with pictures that will help distract the children during the X-ray process when their parents can’t be with them.