Hospital leads the way in making stays better for families
A hospital has become the first in Essex, and just the sixth across the country, to be recognised by a national charity for making hospital stays better for children and their families.
Southend Hospital has received accreditation from Sophie’s Legacy after introducing meals for parents and carers staying with their child, seven-day access to play specialists and a menu designed especially for children.
The charity was founded by Charlotte Fairall in memory of her daughter Sophie, who died from a rare childhood cancer. It campaigns for changes that Sophie and her mum wanted to see for other children and families spending time in hospital.
Amy Taylor, Associate Director of Nursing Paediatrics at Southend Hospital, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. As a children’s nurse, I know that caring for a child also means caring for the family around them.
“When a child is in hospital, things like having somewhere to play and making sure their parent can get a meal can make a real difference at an incredibly difficult time.”
Staff on Neptune ward, Southend Hospital’s children’s ward, have worked alongside catering team Medirest to introduce the improvements and make stays more comfortable for children and their families.
Egle Cironkaite, Catering Manager from Medirest, said: “Knowing that even the smallest contribution can bring comfort, support and a little happiness to a child or their family when they need it most makes every effort worthwhile.
“Achieving Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital accreditation is the icing on the cake and shows what a difference we can make when we come together for a cause that really matters.”
The accreditation is based on five changes Sophie and her mum wanted to see for families in hospital. These are better hospital food for children, meals for parents staying with their child, play specialists available seven days a week, better understanding of childhood cancer among healthcare professionals and increased funding for childhood cancer research. Hospitals receive accreditation by meeting at least three of these aims.
Sophie’s Legacy has also donated activity and colouring books, fidget and sensory toys, as well as packs containing everyday essentials for parents who unexpectedly find themselves staying in hospital with their child.
Charlotte Fairall, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sophie’s Legacy, said:
“As a mother who has experienced the challenges of having a seriously ill child in hospital, I understand how much the little things matter.
“Knowing your child can play, having access to appropriate food and not having to worry about where your next meal is coming from can make a significant difference during an incredibly difficult time.”
ENDS
Image: Neptune ward and Southend Hospital staff celebrate Sophie’s Legacy accreditation – including Charlotte (bottom centre), Egle (bottom right) and Amy (back row, fifth from the right, behind and in the middle of Charlotte and Amy).