The Children’s Emergency Department at St Richard’s Hospital has won Star of the Month for their exceptional dedication and hard work transforming the department into a more suitable and welcoming environment for children and young people.
Julie Thomas, Director of Nursing for Medicine at St Richard’s nominated the department.
She said: “We are so proud of all the hard work and determination of the ED children’s team, especially the senior nurse leads who helped get the area up and running to ensure excellent care for our children, young people, and parents.”
Rachel Wilkinson, Children’s Nurse Consultant along with colleagues, Sam and Liz were clear drivers in making this improvement become a reality.
Rachel said: “This award stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. We are especially grateful for the incredible support from our local community, including local artists and college students who contributed to the redecoration by creating engaging artwork, transforming the space into a friendly and stimulating environment.
The new Children’s ED treats around 50 young patients every day. Since opening its doors last year, it has been praised by patients, families, and staff for its welcoming atmosphere and improved quality of care.
Julie adds: “The waiting area is now three times larger, giving families plenty of room to wait comfortably. The area is also stocked with a variety of toys to make the wait more enjoyable for our young patients. We also have extra cubicles for patients, specialist spaces for mental health care, and a multifunctional area that staff can use as needed.”
The paediatric team has shown remarkable teamwork and dedication, with their collective efforts significantly improving the experience for children and young people, making them worthy winners of the Star of the Month award.
The department was visited by Paddington star, Hugh Bonneville for the official opening last September, where young patients were gifted teddy bears and books.