FUNDING in excess of £10,000 has allowed Bournemouth Hospital Charity to fund a children's play area to support young patients at Christchurch Hospital.

With a £2,500 donation from the Christchurch Hospital and £7,8000 from Christchurch Drill Hall Charity, the new facility was opened in the main outpatients area.

It is hoped the play area will help to alleviate stress and worry for young patients at the hospital by improving the environment and overall experience for them.

The initiative was spearheaded by staff members Odette Rodda, Carol Penfold, Di Potter, Sarah Smith and Dr Ian Pearson, who saw a real need to help their younger patients.

Ms Rodda, who is a paediatric advanced nurse specialist, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to plan, develop and deliver a play area for our patients, that provides both traditional toys and electronic interactive technology suitable for all ages.

"We are very grateful for the generous donations received from our funders, which enabled this vision to become a reality. Already, the feedback is fantastic and the excitement on the faces of the children a joy to watch. Our clinics have been beautifully transformed.”

Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman, was present at the event to officially open the play area alongside a representative from Christchurch Drill Hall Charity Trust.

Sara Armstrong, Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s senior community fundraiser, Sara Armstrong, said: “The development of the play area is a fantastic example of what’s possible when our hospital charity, clinicians and members of our community work together to help our hospitals continue to provide the kind of care we would all expect for our own friends and family.”

For more information visit BHCharity.org or call the charity office on 01202 705307.