A CHILDREN'S unit in Inverclyde Royal Hospital has been transformed into a much happier and brighter place for youngsters to come for treatment following a major upgrade.
Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity stepped in to refurbish the Skylark Centre, which cares for around 800 patients a year with consultant-led clinics ranging from rheumatology to diabetes - and it also has community nurse-led physiotherapy and dieticians.
As part of the £36,000 facelift the clinical feel to the waiting room and neurodevelopmental assessment area has been replaced with colourful murals, stunning photographs of Inverclyde and brand new furniture, including a TV for older children.
On top of this the charity provided an additional £9,500 to include sensory equipment for the centre.
At the Skylark, the community nursing team led by Gemma McGregor shares a close bond with the children, having cared for many of them since birth.
Now they have a place to come to that matches that warmth and friendly relationships that have been built up over the years.
Gemma said: “It is just incredible and the children love coming here. It is less clinical for the children.
"We are all about the children and families in here. We have known so many of the children since they were born.
"We try to do whatever we can for our families so they only have to make limited journeys to Glasgow.
"The final design is beyond all our expectations. It is so bright and has numerous areas to appeal to different ages.
“The modern and colourful furniture will appeal to parents and children alike.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity."
Gemma was joined by manager for children services in health Lynn Smith and the team to welcome guests including Casey Lyon, ten, and her family.
Casey, who has rare genetic disorder Johanson–Blizzard Syndrome which affects organ systems in the body, regularly visits Skylark to attend clinics.
Her mum Jody said: "I think it is amazing in here, hospitals can be a scary place for children but the staff are amazing and now, with the new look, it's just brilliant."
She was joined by seven-year-old Jessica Cornish and her dad Shaun. Jessica was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia but is making incredible progress.
Dad Shaun said: "We love the new look Skylark, Jessica loves coming here and she loves Gemma, they have a special bond."
They were joined by Logan Stewart, five, who has the genetic condition Charge Syndrome which affects children's nerves, and his mum Chelsea.
Chelsea said: "It is lovely and so colourful here now. It is important that it is not a scary place for Logan to come to."
Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity chief executive Kirsten Watson said: “The enhancements at the Skylark Centre, made possible thanks to our fantastic donors and fundraisers, have produced an environment that is empathic, calming, and welcoming.
“This transformation reaffirms Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s commitment to providing first-class facilities for children across the west of Scotland.”
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