Charity helps new children’s units

8:20am Saturday 9th May 2009

FUNDRAISERS from the borough have played a key role in getting new children’s healthcare services up and running.

On June 3, North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall will open a children’s unit and a paediatric accident and emergency department as part of a £32 million project.

Hundreds of Bury residents have raised cash for Prestwich-based charity MedEquip4Kids, which will supply £250,000 worth of life-saving machinery to the hospital.

Currently, children and their families have to travel to Booth Hall Children’s Hospital in Manchester, but that is being wound down, so Bury youngsters in need of treatment will have a shorter distance to travel when the Crumpsall facility opens.

The new children’s unit will have 12 paediatric consultants with support from junior staff, while the A&E department will be staffed with doctors and nurses who have been trained in the care of children.

Paediatric consultant Dr Andrew Bradley said: “We will be providing a first-class service delivered in the heart of the community.

“Our staff will provide a comprehensive general paediatric service including an in-patient medical ward, day-care surgery and outpatient clinics.”

He added: “Many of the general paediatricians and nurses have been working at Booth Hall and will be bringing their skills, experience and local knowledge to the department.”

Among those raising cash for MedEquip4Kids in recent months were fans of Bury-based football club FC United, who brought in £15,000 from a sponsored walk.

Slattery chocolatier, in Whitefield, raised £4,000 at chocolate extravaganza and pupils from Park View and Ribble Drive primary schools, in Whitefield, raised £570 at a carol concert.

MedEquip4Kids community fundraiser Lindsay Southall said: “Thanks to an overwhelming response from the public, MedEquip4Kids is within touching distance of its target and appealing for one last push to help achieve it.

“We still need support from the community and would urge anyone who is interested in taking part in one of our sponsored events or organising their own, to contact us and we will help make sure it is as successful as possible.”

For more details, call 0161 798 1600 or email info@medequip 4kids.org.uk