A senior nurse at Ipswich Hospital has explained the importance of a new appeal to raise £2.5 million towards an upgraded children’s department.

Kate Stockton said the improvements planned for the Bergholt Ward and children’s outpatients would help staff meet increasing demand while also providing a more friendly and welcoming environment for visitors.

The work would see the whole unit completely remodelled with new play areas added, the number of clinic rooms and en-suite bedrooms increased and a two-bed high dependency area and separate dining room and teenage spaces created.

“This project is much-needed and such positive news for the hospital,” said Mrs Stockton, who began her career at Great Ormond Street Hospital and joined Ipswich in 2010. “It will make an immense amount of difference for staff and will completely transform the look and feel of the whole area.

“Up until now, we have worked hard to try and fit the service around the space we have got, but the area just doesn’t do what we need any longer – we have completely outgrown it as the number of children coming into hospital is increasing at such a rate.

“Although our staff are continuing to provide the highest standards of care, doing so from an environment which is no longer really fit for purpose undoubtedly brings challenges.”

Mrs Stockton, a nurse in children’s services, said the new layout and signage would help visitors find their way around more easily, and the upgraded facilities would improve their experience of care.

“Children can be understandably very anxious when they come into hospital, as they can worry about where they will be sleeping, what will happen to them and who may be in the cubicle next to them,” she added. “It doesn’t help if the environment isn’t up to scratch, and can cause a lot of parental anxiety as well.

“The changes we are planning will make the whole area brighter, lighter and more welcoming. It will be a much more positive environment which will make a big difference to the experience which patients and their families have when coming into our hospital.”

To support the campaign or donate, visit the trust’s website or contact the Ipswich Hospital Charity on 01473 702929 or charity@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk