A 15-YEAR-OLD girl with Crohn's disease has officially opened a new area in a borough hospital designed specifically for teenage patients.
Ellie Pugh, from Leigh, who regularly attends the Rainbow Ward at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, cut the ribbon to the "Teen Zone", based at the ward.
It is a bespoke area created to provide young adults on the ward a space to relax and recuperate in a modern and age-appropriate environment.
Teenagers receiving treatment on the ward will now be able to enjoy comfortable couches and play video games and music.
There is also a dining area there.
Ellie cutting the ribbon to the "Teen Zone"
Inside the "Teen Zone"
Ellie said: “The 'Teen Zone' is amazing; it’s really going to make a difference.
“Even the smallest details have been thought of like the floor – having a smooth surface rather than a padded or soft floor will help patients wheel their IV stands into the room with no trouble.
"I love it!”
The "Teen Zone" was opened after a year of fundraising from staff, members of the public and businesses.
The top 10 donors to the project were invited to the opening event.
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust CEO Silas Nicholls opening the curtains to the "Teen Zone"
Welcoming visitors to the ceremony, and thanking Ellie for officially opening the area, hospital trust CEO, Silas Nicholls said: “Being in hospital at any time is difficult, but when you’re a teenager in hospital, that can be even more so.
“Having a place especially for teenagers is really important and what we’ve got now is a great facility.
“I think it’s going to be a great place for our teenage patients to use.”
Fundraising efforts to raise the money needed to create the "Teen Zone" included a 20-mile Pier to Pier walk, family raffles, fun runs, a charity car wash, a tea party to celebrate the Royal Wedding and businesses naming the hospital trust's Three Wishes Charity as their charity of the year.
Three Wishes fundraising manager Janet Pennington said: “This is the perfect example of doing more for our patients.
“We’ve really been able to go above and beyond thanks to the very kind donations from everyone who attended the event.
“They should all feel really proud, this is a legacy that will benefit patients for years to come, making a massive difference to young people at this hospital.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of money that has been raised and the way people have taken the project to their hearts.
“Collectively, more than £35,000 was raised for the 'Teen Zone' and we’re just in awe at such an incredible amount being donated.”
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