Transformation of Ipswich Hospital children's department given green light
The hospital says the project will transform the experience of young patients and their families
Ipswich Borough Council have granted planning permission for a multi-million pound scheme to completely remodel and refurbish the existing unit at Ipswich Hospital.
The project will see the number of beds, isolation cubicles and clinic rooms increased, and dedicated areas for physiotherapy or patients with diabetes or cystic fibrosis will be made available.
More space will also accommodate specialist equipment or to allow parents to stay overnight.
There will also be a separate dining room, a two-bed high dependency area and multiple play areas at the hospital, which is run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
Dr Lauren Filby, who is clinical lead for paediatrics at Ipswich Hospital, said: "This is fantastic news and another major step forward for this exciting project, which will transform the experience which young patients and their families have when receiving treatment.
"The project will allow us to create a modern, calming environment which matches the high standards of care our patients already receive while also significantly improving the facilities which are available."
The scheme to transform the Children's Department is being funded by ESNEFT and The Children's Appeal, which is run by Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
The appeal has raised £645,000 since it was launched in 2018, after receiving support from Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Doherty, but it needs to raise a further £205,000 to allow work to begin.
Mandy Jordan, associate director of Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: "The charity is hugely proud to be a partner in this exciting project and would like to thank everyone who has so generously supported our appeal so far.
"All the money raised and donated will go towards creating a state-of-the-art centre from which our hard-working staff can deliver a gold standard of care for all of our young patients."
More information about The Children's Appeal can be found on the charity's website.