We are hoping to build a dedicated, child and young person friendly, multi-sensory and breast feeding room for patients and families in the Paediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Department at University College London Hospital. There is currently no dedicated room for multi-sensory equipment, and the creation of a purpose built non-clinical environment will improve the experience of patients.

Visiting hospital and having blood taken or undergoing invasive diagnostic tests and examinations can be extremely stressful for children and adolescents. We want to be able to provide a safe relaxing space where our play specialists can work with patients to put them at ease, using equipment such as light therapy, music, comfortable seating and a variety of interactive sensory toys. When the room is not being used as a multi-sensory room, we want to offer this as a private space for breastfeeding mothers.

23,000 children and young people are seen in the Paediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Department each year, many with additional needs and high levels of anxiety, requiring specialist support and play intervention. The department runs speciality clinics such as a diabetes clinic, urgent referrals clinic, an eye clinic, and a pre-assessment for paediatric surgery clinic. The outpatient department is located in the basement of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson wing of UCH hospital on Euston Road, in London.

Any help that you can offer us to improve the experience of children and young people would be very much appreciated. If you would like to make a donation please click here or call Shirley Featherstone on 0203 447 9558.

Thank you for your support.