New multi-million pound children’s care unit for Croydon

Young patients will get a dedicated children’s care unit, thanks to a new multi-million pound project.

The project includes the addition of a brand new critical care unit and children’s cancer unit, allowing the Croydon Health NHS Trust to provide care closer to home for even more of the borough’s sickest children.

The unit will also have a medical ward, surgical ward and a short stay unit, for children and young people who need to be admitted to hospital.

There will be improved care for patients and visitors, such as family spaces and relaxation rooms.

The children’s cancer unit is being supported by Chartwell Cancer Trust, which has joined forces with the NHS to raise £750,000 towards the unit, transforming care for children, young people and their families who are dealing with cancer and the possibility of spending up to two years in treatment.

Dr Edward Holloway, Consultant Paediatrician at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and clinical lead for the project, said: “Croydon is home to one of the capital’s youngest populations and we’re committed to ensuring that we adapt to the needs of those that we care for at every age.

“This project has been an ambition of ours for a number of years and we’re delighted to finally be moving forward with our new children’s unit.

“This much-needed funding boost will undoubtedly improve the care we provide to all of our young people, now and into the future.

“Alongside this, our new children’s oncology unit, which is being supported by Chartwell Cancer Trust’s Lilypad Appeal, will allow us to look after children living with cancer in a modern, welcoming environment close to home, reducing any additional stress during an incredibly difficult time in their lives.”

The green light for the project is the latest in a number of investments in the borough’s NHS facilities, following the opening of a £21million Emergency Department in 2018 and the announcement a £12.7million critical care refurbishment in August 2019.

The Trust’s chief executive, and Place-Based Leader for Health, Matthew Kershaw, said: “Our paediatric teams look after more than 51,900 children and young people each year, both in the hospital and in our community.

“As we see the number of young people in the borough increase, we need to ensure that our services reflect their needs and the growing complexities in their health conditions. Our new children’s unit is one part of this vital work, as we bring hospital and community services as well as local GPs, social care and the voluntary groups, to provide joined up care for the people of Croydon.

“We’ll be working directly with young people and their families, as well as our staff, to ensure this unit provides the best possible facilities for them, helping to make Croydon the best place for the borough’s children to be treated.”

Michael Douglas, head of The Chartwell Cancer Trust, said:  “Here at The Chartwell Cancer Trust we are deeply committed to transforming cancer care in our communities.

“This paediatric oncology unit will make a life-changing difference for the most vulnerable children of Croydon.

“We are pulling out all the stops to provide them with the full range of facilities they deserve.”

For more information about the Lily Pad Appeal and Chartwell Cancer Trust here.