Investing in facilities to support vulnerable patients

Since the Covid-19 pandemic the paediatric team at Warwick Hospital have seen an influx of children and adolescents struggling with various mental health needs. Recognising this, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust invested in improving facilities on the ward to cater to young people in crisis. 

To support some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients, the Macgregor team developed plans to create new areas which would accommodate children of all ages, from 0-18, who may require extra support.    

These plans included providing spaces for all children, regardless of age, to have a place to relax and play away from the bed space. Including:

- A playroom and activity space for younger children, large enough to accommodate a variety of activities. 

-  An adolescent recreation room, separate to the playroom area, as a space for older children to relax, play games and watch television.  

-  A sensory room for children with sensory needs. This is a crucial space containing specialist sensory equipment, allowing children (especially those in crisis) to decompress and take a break from the busy ward. 

-  A bereavement room to help support families who are faced with devastating news that can also be used as a quiet room for parents to use as a safe and calming space away from the ward. 

All children and young people staying on the children’s ward benefit from these enhancements, particularly those who are experiencing mental health challenges. Providing these dedicated specialist and age-appropriate areas for all patients helps to avoid young patients from becoming institutionalised and enables our staff to provide the appropriate care in an informal setting.