On Friday (1 December) a special guest opened the new facilities on Macgregor Ward at Warwick Hospital.

Returning patient, Joseph Froggatt and his mum Lucy were invited to officially open the new specialist spaces - a playroom and activity area, an adolescent recreational space, a sensory room with specialist equipment to allow children to decompress away from the busy ward, and a bereavement suite/quiet room.

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust began this development after seeing an increase in children in crisis admitted to the ward since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The development has now created age-appropriate areas for all children spending time on the ward.

Sixteen-year-old Joseph has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and throughout his life has spent a lot of time on MacGregor Ward, so knows first-hand what a difference these new facilities will make.

He said: "These facilities will really help anyone who comes to Macgregor ward and will improve the experience for everyone."

His mum, Lucy, commented: "The care we have received from Macgregor Ward over the years has always been exceptional, the new facilities were much needed and will greatly enhance the stay for patients and families alike, we are so grateful for all those that have made it happen.

"It was an honour for both of us to go along to the opening."

To support the development, SWFT Charity launched the Youngs Mind Matter fundraising appeal, which has raised over £190,000 to make these new facilities the best that they can be.

The appeal has been supported by lots of local groups, companies and members of the community and thanks to all the generous donations we have been able to improve the spaces further with specialist equipment and enhanced furnishings.

Debbie Sherwell, lead paediatric nurse, said: "Being able to offer our patients appropriate spaces for their needs makes such a difference to their stay.

"Being in hospital is really hard for children and young people, as well as their families, so having dedicated rooms to make their stay more comfortable is so important. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the fundraising efforts.

"The new equipment and décor of the rooms really does make such a difference to the experience of our children and young patients."