New children’s sensory room at NUUH with thanks to the Lions

From left to right: Steve Nicholls- NNUH Play Specialist, Nigel Howes- Lion President Taverham & District Lions Club, Erica Dernedde- NNUH Sister, David Booth- Consultant Neonatologist and Chief of Division for Women’s and Children’s at NNUH

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is delighted to have opened a new therapeutic sensory room, which will provide a relaxing environment to young patients undergoing intensive treatment.

The facility has been made possible by a £8,750 donation from the Lions club, who this year, will be celebrating 100 years of voluntary service. Lions groups from across Norfolk have come together to raise the money and mark their anniversary milestone in an extra special way.

The equipment in the room includes an LED projector which casts colour onto the walls, floor and ceiling, and a fibre optic light which shines beautiful colours around the ceiling, and special floor cubes.

The room also has a sensory music system playing soothing sounds, a number of stimulating and reflective toys and padded safety mats. In addition, the Lions have funded a special Sensory Wagon which is portable and can come to a patient’s bed side.

Nigel Howes, President of Taverham & District Lions said: “Lions Clubs International are celebrating 100 years’ service to their local communities, and as part of this celebration, all clubs across the UK have been encouraged to do something special to mark this momentous occasion. We decided this project would be perfect as it will help support children from birth up to 19 years of age, while they undergo treatment during their stay at NNUH.”

Nigel added: “The presentation on Wednesday 24th May was an opportunity to formally hand over all the sensory equipment which had been requested by NNUH Play Specialist, Steven Nicholls, and we are immensely proud to support this work to help and support young children and teenagers.”

Lucy Weavers, NNUH Divisional Nursing Director for Women and Children’s Division said: “The environment that has been created gives children and young people, many with different sensory needs, the opportunity to relax and escape from some of the worries and anxieties which can come from a stay in hospital. We hope we can bring a little joy to those children whilst they are undergoing treatment.”

Lucy added: “For so many Lions clubs to join together to celebrate their special birthday year in this way is truly inspirational. Our Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital has been providing care to the children of Norfolk for over 150 years and this room will enable us to enhance the environment and the care we give.”

Special thanks go to the Lions clubs including: Attleborough 2013, Norwich North Alpha, Great Yarmouth, West Norwich, Hethersett & District, Sheringham & Cromer, Long Stratton, Taverham & District, City of Norwich, Wroxham & Hoveton and Wymondham.

Louise Cook, NNUH Fundraising Manager said: “We are so privileged to have the support from the Lions. This is not the first time a Lion’s Club has supported our hospital, and I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who have enabled us to create such a fantastic space for our younger patients.”

If you would like to support the hospital charity, please contact Louise Cook fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk