November 2011

Local quilters help special care babies keep warm

Tiny patients on the neonatal unit will be especially cosy and warm this winter, thanks to the Project Linus UK.  The project provides handcrafted quilts and blankets for young children in need of some extra comfort and reassurance.

Alison Still, Project Linus Mid Essex co-ordinator delivered a wonderful selection of quilts and blankets lovingly created by local craft & sewing groups and she told staff: “The volunteers who make these quilts will be delighted to know that their work is appreciated.  A great deal of love and kindness goes into making these quilts.  As a group we have asked that some of the quilts are used on the unit but others will be given to parents as a keepsake and taken home when babies leave the unit”.

While Pam Moore and Debbie Whitfield neo natal nurses admired the craftsmanship and it wasn’t long before Debbie selected a quilt for the unit’s tiniest patient.   Pam said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers for taking the time to help us with the work we do here on the unit.  These tiny babies often have difficulty in regulating their temperature so these quilts and blankets are perfect.  And to see the bright and cheerful colours amongst such an array of medical equipment gives parents a sense of normality at a worrying time".

About Project Linus UK– this is volunteer organisation whose aims is to provide a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers through the provision of new home made patchwork quilts and knitted/crocheted blankets. Also it provides an opportunity for needlewomen to contribute to their local community.

Balloon bonanza for the Phoenix Ward

Recently married couple, Mike and Donna Bond helped to brightened up the children’s unit with a beautiful selection of coloured balloons. 

This generous couple who were married in Mauritius, held a party for family and friends on their return home. After the celebrations, they thought the balloons could be put to very good use to cheer up some of our younger patients.

Donna explained that after the party they had so many balloons left over and didn’t know want them to go to waste.  She said: “We thought the balloons might cheer up some of the patients on the children’s ward. Seeing their faces light up when they saw the balloons was wonderful, I’m really glad we bought them in.  It’s amazing how something as simple as a balloon can make such a difference to them when they are feeling poorly and can’t get out of bed.”

Elizabeth Lawrence, Staff Nurse, said, “We’d all like to thank Donna and Mike for this thoughtful gift, the balloons will help us provide an extra distraction for children on the ward and will be something they can take away with them when they go home.”

Mark’s hair raising fundraiser boosts the ‘Let’s Face It’ appeal

A well deserved congratulations and thank you to physiotherapist Mark Cornforth, who has been sporting silky smooth legs since his recent sponsored leg wax!

Mark braved what appeared to be some pretty serious pain as well as some gentle ribbing from work colleagues to raise funds for the ‘Let’s Face It’ appeal. All the money raised will go towards refurbishing a high dependency bay on stock ward, specifically for patients who have had reconstructive surgery following head and neck cancer.

The refurbishment will mean greater privacy and dignity for patients, many of whom could spend months on the ward, as well as additional equipment such as hoists and monitors which will enhance the care staff can provide and give them more time to spend with patients.

You can still support Mark’s efforts by going to his justgiving page at:

http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Cornforth

Dash raises cash for diabetes

Facilities for the treatment of diabetes patients at Broomfield Hospital will be extended thanks to a donation of over £6000 from the Mid Essex Dash for Diabetes Fund.

Dash for Diabetes representatives Ann Uzzell and treasurer Martin Ashby, presented their huge cheque to members of Broomfield Hospital's diabetes team last week.  Ann said:  “We are very pleased to hand over this donation which will be used to provide additional rooms for patients with diabetes”.  She explained that the money was originally collected in response to Dr David Cunnah’s important and successful campaign to improve facilities for patients in Mid Essex and Dash supporters are delighted that this money is continuing to do just that. 

Jane Young, CNS for Diabetes said: “On behalf of the diabetes team, I’d like to say a big thank you to Ann and Martin and everyone involved with Dash for Diabetes.   Having these extra funds will enable us to extend the treatment areas and provide more dignity and privacy to all our patients. We couldn’t be more grateful”.

Lunching ladies support BRA group

More than 80 women raised over £1,000 at the annual ladies lunch, held in support of the breast reconstruction awareness fund at Broomfield Hospital.

Along with a delicious two course meal, guests were able to indulge in a spot of early Christmas shopping thanks to the variety of stalls selling gifts ranging from handmade jewellery to chocolate and handbags.

Sannel Rump, a former patient who received support from the BRA group, took the opportunity to explain to guests how the work of the breast reconstruction team has been invaluable since her diagnosis. She said “When I was first diagnosed I didn't realise just how important bra was going to be in my life. All the ladies were a fantastic support and it wasn't just about providing me with facts, they were there as friendly faces and answered any questions I had.”

She continued: “There are a lot of women that attend the meetings who don't know anything about reconstruction, and so the group aims to support women and provide important information about their reconstruction. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by breast cancer so it’s important for the charity to keep running and I hope that everyone continues to support the BRA nurses because they're just amazing.”