A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise money to redesign a space at the hospital in Winchester so patients and their families can be more comfortable.

Hampshire Hospitals Charity launched The Magic Lion Appeal to raise money to improve child health services within the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

One of the goals is to redesign the space at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

The charity is now asking for the help of the local community.

The charity hopes appeal will help the trust keep up with increasing demand, as well as to buy new equipment, ward upgrades and decorations.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive at Hampshire Hospitals said: “We aim to provide children and young people with the best possible care. Our staff do a brilliant job, and with the help of the local community we can do so much more.

“Being in hospital can be a disorientating experience for some of our younger patients, so we want to make sure they are in an environment that suits their needs, whether they are being seen for the first time or are coming in for a routine appointment.

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“In raising these funds, we’ll be able to make a real difference to so many children’s experiences of hospital for years to come.”

Cath Battrick, lead child health nurse at Hampshire Hospitals said: “We want to ensure that each patient seen with us feels as comfortable, safe and at ease as they can be and this appeal provides us with an amazing opportunity to do just that.

“Last year, we saw nearly 80,000 outpatient attendances so we also need to ensure our spaces are fit for the demand we’re seeing on our services.”

The appeal will also fund improvements for children's health spaces in Basingstoke, Alton, Andover and Alton.

To find out more about the campaign, upcoming events or to donate, visit: bit.ly/magic-lion.

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