Countess of Chester Hospital - Adolescent Unit
UPDATED: This unit was opened by Michael Owen in March 2008
We are currently working in partnership with the Chester Childbirth Appeal on a major scheme to provide an adolescent unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital to be situated next to the paediatric ward, but being a separate dedicated facility. Provision for teenagers has long been neglected by the health service, and young people currently have to share wards with babies and very small children. Wards are designed with younger children in mind, often being decorated with cartoon characters and being laid out without need for privacy.
It is common to find 15 year olds sharing wards with tiny babies, and this situation causes problems for the teenagers as well as the smaller children. Increasingly, Paediatric Units within the NHS are trying to find space for adolescents to have a dedicated area within a Children’s Ward. Currently there is no space to do this within the existing ward area at Chester, and without help the hospital will be unable to provide a separate area.
After consulting young people, their parents, medical and nursing staff, we aim to provide a dedicated Adolescents’ Unit adjacent to the Children’s Ward. The area is designed to suit young people aged 12-18. The area will include two bays, one for boys and one for girls, with a communal sitting room opening onto a small landscaped garden specifically for their use.
Adolescence is a vulnerable time, as the child emerges into adulthood. When things are complicated by illness, an unsuitable environment can make a young person withdraw or be unco-operative. A purpose-designed area where young people can feel valued would aid their return to physical and emotional health.
The total cost of the project is £157,000. We are working in partnership with the Chester Childbirth Appeal, who have already raised over £90,000 from community fundraising activities. We have committed a sum of £10,000 to provide equipment and furnishings from our existing fundraising, and we are also seeking income from charitable trusts to help reach the target.
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