Children with complex needs will benefit from a new specialist safe sleep bed at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, thanks to more than £12,000 in funding from The Health Tree Foundation.
The new bed, located on Rainforest Ward, provides a safe and secure environment for children with additional needs, including those with epilepsy, autism and sensory issues.
Designed for children aged between three and nine, the specialist bed helps prevent children from climbing or falling out, while giving parents greater peace of mind during their child’s hospital stay.
It also includes special access points, allowing clinical teams to provide treatment while children remain safely in the bed.
The equipment was purchased after the ward submitted a ‘wish’ to The Health Tree Foundation, which supports projects and equipment designed to improve the experience of patients across local hospitals.
Lorraine Cook, Paediatric Sister, said: “It’s fantastic we’ve been able to fund this bed, which makes such a difference to patients and their families.
“I am really impressed by the bed and it will have a massive impact for children with additional needs. It gives parents peace of mind knowing their children will be secure if they need to leave their side.”
For families of children with complex or sensory needs, maintaining a safe environment while in hospital can be particularly important, especially overnight.
Paula Staines, Play Specialist, said: “We submitted a ‘wish’ to The Health Tree Foundation to get this bed. We get children with sensory issues who could benefit from that secure space.
“Parents can find it quite difficult to sleep as they’re worried their child might try and climb out of the bed. Having this secure space can help provide that extra reassurance.”
The new bed is now available for young patients staying on Rainforest Ward, helping staff provide a safer and more comfortable environment tailored to their individual needs.