Children's emergency department appeal reaches £2 million target

The appeal to fund a new state-of-the-art children’s emergency and trauma department at University Hospital Southampton has reached its target, five months earlier than expected.

The appeal, which aimed to raise £2 million, was set up by Southampton Hospital Charity in partnership with The Murray Parish Trust and was match-funded by the Government.

The charities also raised an additional £70,000 for the department and will be used to fund distraction equipment that helps prepare children for any tests such as scans, blood tests and operations.

At a special celebration event held on Wednesday, Southampton Hospital Charity thanked supporters of the appeal and were able to give an exclusive preview of the new acute assessment unit, with the rest of the department due to open in Summer 2019.

“Thank you to anyone who has donated to the appeal – whether that was £5 or £100,000. Even £1 will help a child in the most desperate of situations,” said Jason Shauness, director of Southampton Hospital Charity.

Dr Jason Barling, consultant in paediatric emergency medicine, also praised those who have given time or money to help support the build. He added: “A huge thank you on behalf of all our staff who are going to be able to work in an environment that meets the needs of the children.”

“The department will make a significant difference to our patients.”

Opening next year, the completed children’s emergency and trauma department will include eight-bed observation area, 11 glass-fronted and sound proof cubicles and on-hand x-ray facilities.

The news that the amount needed had been met was announced at The Murray Parish Trust’s Odd Ball on Saturday, 17 November.