Two companies, which regularly work for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, have come together at the start of Children’s Mental Health Week to gift and install a new TV that will benefit children struggling emotionally.
The TV, donated by Bradford-headquartered audio-visual company AV Universal and fitted by Chorley construction company D&G Builders, has been wall-mounted in a Children’s Ward room at the Royal Preston Hospital that has been redesigned as a “safe space” for youngsters in mental health crisis.
It featured on a wish list of items put together by clinical staff to improve the treatment environment for all children and young people whether in or outpatients at all trust managed centres. The list forms the backbone of the £1 million Children’s Appeal that the trust’s charity team is currently running to bring about the improvements.
The trust’s Matron for Children and Young People, Nicola Entwistle, explained: “Last year, we supported over 110 children with emotional health and wellbeing needs on Ward 8, the Children’s Ward at the Royal Preston Hospital.
“During the ward’s refurbishment in 2021, one room was redesigned as a ‘safe space’ for children struggling emotionally and this is the room in which the new TV has been installed. The TV is there to provide a distraction and source of interest for children and their families.”
Nicola added: “As a trust, we are committed to providing high quality care with compassion to ensure a safe space for all our children and young people, working closely with families, carers and our multi-agency teams.
“One of our recent young patients fed back ‘Everyone is so nice, there is a TV and there is privacy’. When asked could we do better, the young person said ‘You’re all doing great’. Thank you to Universal AV and D&G Builders for helping us to receive this review, especially as we are now entering Children’s Mental Health Week!”
The donated TV cost £319 plus VAT and its installation would have cost a further £150 had it too not been donated to the Children’s Appeal as a gift in kind.
This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 7th to 13th February. Children’s Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness about how we can all support the mental health of children and young people. You can find out more on the campaign website at: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/.
To watch a video explaining more about the Children’s Appeal, become involved or make a donation, go to www.lthcharity.org.uk/childrensappeal
