Appeal helps new unit open

2:50pm Tuesday 29th May 2007

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A REVAMPED neonatal facility at Arrowe Park Hospital is due to open following the completion of a project funded in part by the Jellybean Appeal.

Part of the £710,000 Jellybean project has been used for the refurbishment of a self-contained en-suite parental bedroom d for families of poorly newborn babies being treated at the unit. It is one of only two across Merseyside to have level-three status, meaning it can care for the most premature of babies.

“The development has provided parents and visitors with a modern and fabulously designed facility, which will hopefully make what can be an extremely emotional time a little less stressful.”

Sarah Azurdia

Sarah Azurdia, unit manager, said: "The development has provided parents and visitors with a modern and fabulously designed facility, which will hopefully make what can be an extremely emotional time a little less stressful."

Other features of the upgrade are new equipment and redecoration, funded with a grant from Cheshire and Merseyside neonatal network with additional costs met by the trust.

The unit has also benefited from the generosity of supporters of the Jellybean Appeal and received a £21,000 from Arrowe Park Hospital's League of Friends.

Over the coming weeks, the final touches will be made and babies will be transferred from the Unit's current base elsewhere in the hospital.

The event also marked the launch of the unit's new website, which features a wealth of information about its facilities and the team that runs it. Visitors to the site can also read parents' thoughts and find out practical information and health advice about caring for a sick baby.

Sarah Azurdia added: "We are all incredibly excited about the new developments, which will allow us to further enhance the excellent care already provided by our skilled team of staff. We see the website as an extension of the service we offer to our patients and their families.

The Globe-backed appeal aims to make hospital visits more pleasant for young people. Split into four wishes, it was launched in September 2005 and has now reached the midway stage in its campaign, but there is still work to do before all of its dreams come true.

Their first, an assessment and treatment centre especially for children at Arrowe Park Hospital was opened in November. Wish three: A family and parent rooms for the children's ward came true in March.

Your help is still needed with the second wish to raise £70,000 for extra equipment for the neonatal unit.

Wish four is for a one-stop assessment area at Clatterbridge child development centre.

A charity football match between Wirral pubs raised £480 for the appeal was held at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park ground on Monday May 7.

And a fashion show in aid of the appeal will be held at Jack Rabbit Slim's in Hoylake tonight, Wednesday, May 30.

Tickets are from 0151 327 3377.