The event, which was held in the Education Centre at PRH, offered people the chance to view the latest designs for the new unit, talk to the project team and ask questions about the development.
Peter Herring, Chief Executive of the Trust, gave an overview of the project for the new unit, while Councillor Kevin Guy, Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, also spoke about his ‘Caring For Our Future’ appeal. The campaign has been launched to raise money for a fun, learning environment and hi-tech facilities for young patients and their families within the new unit when work is completed in 2014.
The event began with a photographic opportunity featuring a symbolic breaking of the ground following the start of work to build the unit in December.
Following the photograph guests, including staff and partners of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, attended the rest of the event where they were able to find out the latest on the project.
Attendees were also asked to help choose a winner for the Trust’s Hard Hat Competition, which saw 14 primary schools across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales decorate builders’ hats based on the theme of ‘keep fit and healthy’.
Martin Beardwell, Acting Chair of the Trust, said: “This was a special event to celebrate the start of building what will be a state-of-the-art health facility for women and children across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales. On behalf of the Trust I would like to thank our staff, patients and families who have helped us to get to this important stage. It’s not too late to get involved – contact us at future@sath.nhs.uk if you would like to take part in our focus groups.”
Cathy Smith, Head of Midwifery and Deputy Centre Chief of the Women and Children’s Centre at the Trust, added: “I’m delighted that work has started to build our new Women and Children’s Unit, which brings us a step closer to it becoming a reality. Thousands of women and children over the years will benefit from this fantastic new facility at PRH and improved services at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH).”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported the Caring For Our Future campaign so far. There will be lots more events this year to help support the campaign, including quizzes, the ‘From Here to Maternity’ hospital-to-hospital walk and a ‘shwopping’ evening. Email mayor@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 380110 for more information or if you would like to donate.”
When it opens in summer 2014, the Women and Children’s Unit will be for all women and children who need to stay in hospital overnight. It will include a children’s outpatient department, children’s assessment unit and a new children’s cancer and haematology unit. It will also be for women who require a consultant-led delivery and babies who need special care. In addition, all gynaecology services that require an overnight stay will take place here.