Construction has begun on a new facility at Bradford Royal Infirmary to support families with premature or ill babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Bradford Hospitals Charity and The Sick Children’s Trust’s ‘Home from Home’ Appeal has received substantial contributions, including £250,000 from Sovereign Health Care.
West End legend Michael Crawford CBE, President of The Sick Children’s Trust, attended the ground breaking ceremony alongside hospital staff and supporters of the project, including Sovereign Health Care and several of its board members.
Nerissa Fox, Sovereign Finance Director & Company Secretary; Sovereign Board members Susan Sedgwick and Paul Oldfield; Michael Crawford, President of The Sick Children’s Trust; Jane Featherstone, CEO of The Sick Children’s Trust; Keith Hinds, Sovereign Board Chair and Neil McCallum, Sovereign Chief Executive.
Michael Crawford said, “It is incredibly moving and hugely exciting to be here today as we officially break ground on this wonderful new ‘Home from Home’ in Bradford. For families with seriously ill and premature babies, being able to stay close to their child during treatment makes a world of difference.
“This project is only possible thanks to the remarkable partnership between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity, alongside the incredible generosity of supporters and funders who understand just how important it is to keep families together. To see it opening in what will be my 40th year as President of The Sick Children’s Trust makes this milestone even more special.”
Laura Riach, Charity Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, said, “Today is a hugely significant moment for Bradford and for the hundreds of families who will benefit from this incredible home in the years to come. We are proud to be working alongside The Sick Children’s Trust to create a welcoming and supportive place where families can stay close to their baby during neonatal treatment.
“We know how important it is for parents to be near their child during long and unexpected hospital stays, and this new ‘Home from Home’ will make a lasting difference for families across Bradford, Yorkshire and beyond.”
Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said, “I’ve been involved in getting us to this point. This is much needed for the people of Bradford and beyond who we serve, and I hope we can get our new, purpose-built home from home up and running as soon as possible so we can provide a warm, welcoming space for those that really do need it.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed, both financially and in kind, as we’ve progressed to more than two-thirds of our fundraising target.”
Anyone can help build the ‘Home from Home’ by taking on a fundraising challenge, donating, or buying a personalised brick (from £25 for a virtual brick or £500 for a vinyl brick on a wall in the hospital).
Visit BradfordHospitalsCharity.org/Neonatal-Appeal to find out more.