Charlie’s day unit (CDU) opened in 1999. Since it’s opening there has been a steady increase in numbers attending from 3,171 in 1999 to 6,954 2008/2009, a steady increase of 300+ children per year.

 

 With the government drive to care for children/young people at home, the number of children accessing CDU for assessment and being discharged home is likely to continue to increase. In spite of this increase in numbers attending, there has been no expansion in the facilities.

 

 The following points have been explored.

 

 - The need for additional flexible bed/cot space for observational care, which is essential over the winter months.

 - The need for cubicle space to allow isolation of children with potential infectious conditions. These children are currently cared for by CDU staff in a G2 cubicle which does not allow for close observation

 - The need for a more private area for examination/discussion with young people

 

 - A young persons waiting area with appropriate reading matter.

 

 - A quiet room to enable staff to have “private” conversations with parents/young people.

 

 - Improved office space to include the necessary IT facilities to allow improved organisation of discharges.

 

 Therefore the child health team has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £400,000 for these new facilities and equipment. Many fund raising events are being planned for the Spring and months ahead – these are likely to range from coffee mornings to cake sales to sporting events and sponsored parachute jumps.

 

Charlie's Day Unit Christmas Prize Draw 2012 main winners

1 -  Charsley - 40" Sony TV

2 - Beaumont - £150 Sainsbury's vouchers

3 - Brown - Christmas hamper

Other prizes included: afternoon tea at Oakley Hall, a selection of meat from Turner's Butchers Overton, National Trust ticket to The Vyne, M&S vouchers, Planet Ice tickets, Basingstoke Bisons tickets.

 

 Here are some of the people who are helping to raise money for us:

http://www.justgiving.com/Darren-Rolfe