New £1m support unit opens at Sheffield Children’s Hospital

A new £1m state-of-the-art facility has opened in Sheffield Children’s Hospital, complete with innovative and interactive artwork.
A new £1m state-of-the-art facility has opened in Sheffield Children’s Hospital, complete with innovative and interactive artwork.A new £1m state-of-the-art facility has opened in Sheffield Children’s Hospital, complete with innovative and interactive artwork.
A new £1m state-of-the-art facility has opened in Sheffield Children’s Hospital, complete with innovative and interactive artwork.

The hospital’s newly developed Safeguarding Support Unit opened to patients in December after 18 months of design and building work. The new space has been funded entirely by The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The service which has been at Sheffield Children’s since 2013, is now in its brand-new space, complete with bigger rooms, specialist artwork and unique space for play.

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The specialist facility supports children and young people where there have been safeguarding concerns. This includes patients with potential neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse, where specialist children’s doctors are required.

Dr Anna Ramsbottom, consultant paediatrician and designated doctor for safeguarding, said: “The artworks and furnishings have been specifically chosen to appeal to all age groups, abilities, cultures and genders, to not exclude anyone in need of care and support. Our beautiful new unit supports our message that you are valued and welcome here.

“We have some fantastic interactive panels commissioned by Artfelt that will keep our visitors entertained, calm and distracted when necessary so they can fully engage with the assessments required. We want children to be able to return to us as and when required for their ongoing care, with no fear or anxiety.

“Thank you to NHS England, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group, as well as The Children’s Hospital Charity and sponsors including Artfelt for making this happen.”

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The design of the space was commissioned by Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity arts programme. The design was carefully considered in order to provide the best possible facility for assessment and to support patients and their families.

Artfelt worked with staff in the unit and psychologists to create a unique space which is designed to feel welcoming, neutral and safe. As well as play equipment for all ages, it also has innovative digital art pieces for children during their visit.

To find out more visit www.tchc.org.uk/appeal