Children’s Hospital gets beachy upgrade

The children’s outpatient department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) has unveiled a beach-themed refurbishment, designed to create a more welcoming and calming environment for young patients.

The new area caters specifically to teenagers, featuring vibrant wall, ceiling, and floor graphics alongside comfortable seating with USB charging points.

This transformation is the second phase of a larger project to overhaul the department, which was last updated 25 years ago. The first phase, completed in 2020, introduced a beach-themed entrance corridor and interactive beach huts for younger children.

Funded through donations to the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity’s Starfish Appeal and a £145,000 contribution from the Angela Gallagher Memorial Fund, the project is nearing its final phase with an additional £50,000 pledged last week to refurbish the phlebotomy room.

Speaking about the project, Di Moss, trustee of the Angela Gallagher Memorial Fund, explained her motivation for supporting the initiative: “It was quite tired looking, so I approached the hospital charity to ask if we could do something to help make a difference. Our fund’s primary aim is to support charities that benefit children, so it has been a privilege to support this wonderful project at the RD&E.” 

Moss joined Sam Higginson, Chief Executive of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to cut the ribbon and officially open the new area. 

Debbie Allen, community fundraiser for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, praised the support from the Angela Gallagher Memorial Fund and the local community: 

“We’re so grateful to Di and the trustees for helping us to deliver this exciting project and for providing the funds to add the final piece of a very special puzzle. The generosity of the local community has been key to the creation of this bright and engaging new space. It allows children and their families to play in an environment that takes them away from what will already be an anxious and stressful time.” 

The beach-themed area complements recent improvements at the hospital, including a jungle-themed corridor on the Bramble Children’s Ward. These upgrades reflect the ongoing efforts to make hospital visits less daunting for young patients. 

With the Starfish Appeal continuing to fundraise for a new children’s emergency department, the RD&E is committed to creating child-friendly spaces that bring comfort and relief to young patients and their families. 

“This project is making a world of difference for young people visiting the RD&E, and we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Allen added.