Children's Heart Surgery Fund (www.chsf.org.uk) have been awarded a grant of £8,000 by DM Thomas Foundation for Young People to install a new multi-sensory environment at Leeds General Infirmary in the hospital's forthcoming children's heart theatre.
The unique multi-sensory environment will form the Ambient Experience Interventional Suite, and will help relax and soothe babies, children and young adults before undergoing heart surgery.
Patients will be able to choose images, colours and music that will reduce their anxiety before a procedure and consequently facilitate their recovery post-surgery.
The upcoming theatre is being funded by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), who have pledged £1.25 million towards equipment and are raising an additional £500,000 thanks to their supporters as part of their "Keeping The Beat" campaign.
Committed to improving the care, treatment experiences and wellbeing of young people aged 0-25 who are sick or life-limited, DM Thomas Foundation for Young People provides specialist equipment, care and support through targeted grant-giving.
CHSF support children and adults born with congenital heart disease across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and works alongside the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary. They support a variety of projects, funding cutting-edge equipment, family accommodation and support, ward facilities, research and staff training.
Sharon Coyle, CEO of CHSF said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the DM Thomas Foundation for this grant towards a state-of the-art relaxation and distraction tool for our young patients.”
“Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is committed to supporting the heart, mind, family and future of patients treated at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, and this brilliant equipment is a prime example of supporting mental health.”
“The new theatre is crucial to keep Leeds at the forefront of national cardiac care, and this technology fits in perfectly with that vision.”
Simon Sheehan, Director of DM Thomas Foundation for Young People, said:
“We are delighted to support the new Ambient Experience Interventional Suite which will not only reduce young patients’ anxiety ahead of surgery, but also support their recovery. Improving the wellbeing and outcomes for children who are sick is central to the Foundation’s mission.”
There's more about the Keeping the Beat campaign at www.chsf.org.uk/keeping-the-beat/.