THE Children’s Ward at Altnagelvin Hospital has received a generous donation of a specialist bed for children with complex medical needs from the Altnagelvin Parents Support Group.
The Siesta ‘Safe Space’ is a specially designed and customised bed to create a calming and safe environment.
It can be used for children with autism, epilepsy or profound learning difficulties, complex medical and varying nursing needs during their stay in hospital.
The design of the bed promotes easier settling at bedtime and aims to improve sleep patterns, providing a safer environment for those who continue to wake at night due to the complexity of their condition.
It is designed for children who may be unsafe in an ordinary bed by offering an additional level of protection for children using it.
Chairperson of the parents’ group, Lisa Storey, believes that the donation is going to have a really positive impact on the children who visit the ward.
“We are extremely proud of this donation, it is the only Safe Space bed in the children’s ward in Altnagelvin Hospital.
“ANd it would not have been possible without the donation received from a generous and brave group of people who fundraised for Altnagelvin Parents Group and in particular this specialist bed.”
One of the largest single donations towards the ‘Safe Space’ bed came from Helena Fox, Jake Barrett and Paula Tracey who decided to “Brave the Shave.”
They are pictured with young Killian Harkin, and as chairperson of the parents’ group, Lisa was keen to pay tribute to the efforts of all fundraisers and donors.
“We are so grateful, this bed will make the world of difference to children with complex needs and who are frequently on Ward 6.
“Together they have made a huge difference and should be very proud of what they have accomplished together.”
