Pictured Left to Right: Ward Manager Ellen Parker, Momentum Family Support Worker Kerrie, George Woodall, pictured with his parents James and Vicky, Oncology Nurse Louise Uwins and East Surrey Hospital Chief Executive Michael Wilson CBE
The 1970’s American drive-in movies era is the inspiration behind a charity refurbishment of an isolation room on the children’s ward at East Surrey Hospital.
A colourful scene of a drive-in movie now adorns one of the walls in the cubicle on Outwood Ward, thanks to a recent refurbishment project by Momentum Children’s Charity, funded through local charitable initiative George and the Giant Pledge.
George and the Giant Pledge is a fundraiser set up by the parents of George Woodall, aged 5, who is an oncology patient. Having been diagnosed with cancer in January he, like many other young local oncology patients, suffers from post chemo infections and complications which need treatment at East Surrey Hospital.
His mum Vicki said: "George has been under the care of the wonderful team at East Surrey Hospital time and time again facing many super scary infections. You can safely say we're more than used to staying in one of their isolation oncology rooms.
"Having experienced first-hand the great work of Momentum children’s charity we were keen to help fund a refurb project to benefit all the local oncology children, working in conjunction with Momentum and East Surrey Hospital.”
Ellen Parker, paediatric unit manager, said: “We would like to thank Momentum and George and the Giant Pledge for decorating this room. It is bright and airy with a fresh and colourful theme. We have had fantastic feedback from our families, especially about the activity wall which keeps their little ones engaged and entertained.”
The refurbishment kick starts an ongoing commitment by Momentum Children’s Charity to East Surrey Hospital to enhance the healing environment and support children with cancer or life-limiting conditions through the charity’s family support programme.
Momentum Children’s Charity co-founder Bianca Effemey said: “We are thrilled to be working with another hospital in the Surrey area to enhance the children’s ward. Studies show that a good, uplifting environment can greatly aid a child’s recovery.”
Momentum’s family support programme includes a dedicated family support worker, to help families throughout their treatment journey, and a range of therapies such as drama and music therapy, counselling, trips and treats and respite breaks at its two holiday homes in the New Forest and on its canal boat.
To help to raise money towards future refurbishment projects at East Surrey Hospital (subject to funds being received) donate to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beatthebeige
