The appeal, once funded, will support holistic improvements in patient comfort and stress relief, including an outdoor play area for children, a bereavement room and specialist sensory toys, amongst much else.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Innovation and Infrastructure at DBTH, said: “We are delighted to launch the Emergency Village Appeal with our colleagues at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity.
“We are currently working hard to redevelop the Emergency Department, CAU and ATC at Bassetlaw Hospital, which, once complete, we hope will provide a fantastic service for local people.
“This appeal, with the kind support of our communities, will help to provide those nice-to-have and holistic improvements not covered by usual NHS funding, something that we hope will move an experience within our service from good to outstanding.”
In July 2023, colleagues at DBTH commenced a project, known as the Bassetlaw Emergency Village, to redevelop and enhance the Emergency Department, Assessment Treatment Centre, as well as relocate Children’s Assessment Unit and return 24/7 paediatric inpatient care to the site.
In tandem with the ongoing construction project, the charitable appeal aims deliver funds which will be used to improve accessibility for the neurodiverse, as well as individuals who experience learning difficulties. This includes specialist sensory equipment for treatment rooms and a brand new play area, amongst other items.
Rebecca Burns, Learning Disability (LD) Ambassador at the Trust, and whose son is autistic, explained how sensory equipment can make the world of difference for individuals who may seek stimulation to help regulate themselves in a stressful environment.
She said: “It is vital we get things right for patients from the get-go.
“My son is very sensory so shoes and socks are off all the time. He likes to feel the ground. The sensory need for him to do this is off the scale, so having an outdoor area would be amazing so they can run around and feel the ground.
“We need to keep patients distracted but they also need a safe, calming, quiet space to avoid overstimulation. Somewhere away from the hospital environment and smell.
“Each person is individual and their needs are too so we must try to accommodate them and allow them to be themselves. Appeals like this are important, as it shows we are caring for individuals as a whole, not just as a set of immediate symptoms.”
Alongside funding various projects for children and young people, the charity will also be funding a number of projects to support adults such as televisions across all waiting rooms and side rooms, helping to bring the normal comforts from home.
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of the Board at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) said: “We are calling upon our communities and businesses to rally behind this appeal. The enhancements we aim to add will benefit patients and improve facilities for our hardworking colleagues.
“This appeal will enable us to go beyond the standard approach to add a touch of excellence to the Emergency Department, the Children’s Assessment Unit, and the Assessment Treatment Centre.
“Together, we can make a meaningful difference for all who rely on Bassetlaw Hospital for their care. I urge our friends and supporters to get behind fundraising for this worthwhile cause and help us create a more comfortable and supportive environment in Worksop.”
To find out more about the appeal, what items are intended to be funded, as well as the Emergency Village project, please visit: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/bassetlaw-appeal/