Solihull Hospital Charity has launched an ambitious fundraising appeal to completely renovate the childrens areas at the hospital, transforming the spaces where the 17,000 children who visit the hospital each year are treated.

The appeal is raising money to refurbish five consultation rooms, the waiting area, the treatment room and the playroom in the Childrens Outpatients Department, making them much more child friendly. This renovation will complement the amazing quality of care that is on offer in the department.

The refurbishment will transform the department, and is being designed with children in mind. There will be activities aimed for all ages, from a soft play area for toddlers, through to a chill-out area complete with TV and games consoles for the older children and teenagers who visit the hospital.

Not only will this renovation make the department look and feel more welcoming, it will have a positive impact on the children who visit. For many children, a visit to Solihull Hospital Childrens Outpatients Department is their first experience in a hospital. This can be a scary and unsettling time for them. Currently, the unit feels very clinical but once the renovations have taken place, the space will offer a calming environment where children can take their minds off their treatment.

The refurbishment of the department will have a big impact on the staff that work in the department, as well as the children who are treated there. Dr Deepak Parasuraman, who works in the Childrens Outpatients Department, said: It is a real privilege to be a part of the Childrens Outpatients Department at Solihull hospital; I treat such a range of children with a diverse range of needs and I am proud to be able to provide such a necessary service to young people in and around Solihull.

However, the department needs a renovation to bring the standard of the surroundings up to that of the care on offer. New wall decorations, a more comfortable waiting room, and new modern toys will act as a welcome distraction to children visiting the department allowing parents to relax, and the staff to treat their children as quickly and efficiently as possible.

With your help, the renovation will change the experiences of parents and children who visit the department on a regular basis.

There are plenty of ways that you can get involved to help Solihull Hospital Charity to raise £250,000 to fund these renovations. You could take part in one of the Charitys fantastic events, such as a skydive or a running event, to raise sponsorship, simply head to hospitalcharity.org/events to find out more and to sign up.

Alternatively, why not hold your own fundraising event? Sign your colleagues up for a dress-down day, hold a bake sale in your community or do something more adventurous! The money that you raise will help Solihull Hospital Charity to provide a beautiful environment for the 17,000 children who are treated at the hospital each year.

Lots of people have already got involved with the Childrens appeal, raising money to improve services for children at their local hospital.

Fundraising Manager Samantha Howell said: The Charitys thanks go to all of the incredible supporters who have got involved in raising money for the renovations. In particular, Id like to thank Solihull School for their ongoing support, and the Yorkshire Bank for the kind donation of £1,000. None of this would be possible without the Charitys supporters.