A leading children’s charity has marked a major milestone in the revamp of a special family centre at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
The ARCHIE Foundation, which supports sick children across the north of Scotland, has officially opened the new Wooden Spoon reception and lounge area for visitors.
The Family Centre comprises 19 bedrooms for parents, a new family information office and the new reception area, which includes the Orkney and Shetland parents’ lounge and kitchen.
Rugby children’s charity Wooden Spoon has donated more £38,500 for the project.
Funded by ARCHIE and free for parents to use, such is the centre’s popularity that the average occupancy since opening in 2004 is over 90%.
Under its ‘High 10 for ARCHIE’ 10th anniversary appeal, launched in 2014, The ARCHIE Foundation has been fundraising to refit the whole unit.
Following the plaque unveiling the chief executive of The ARCHIE Foundation, David Cunningham, proudly showed off the new lounge and kitchen facilities.
“We have been able to refit this whole area thanks to the generosity of Wooden Spoon, who donated over £38,500, John Willox Kitchens of Ellon, who gifted the kitchen itself, and the people of Orkney and Shetland, who raised money (£11,000) through a series of variety shows and other activities, in recognition of the value of this accommodation to families who have to travel long distances,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful to everybody who has helped us to get this far. The enthusiastic reaction from parents tells us just how much of a difference these new facilities make to them.”
Following the launch Mr Cunningham showed off the first of the new parents’ bedrooms, which has been developed to trial new furniture and as a ‘show’ room to raise funds for the others.
He said: “These rooms have worn remarkably well considering their high usage, but now they are looking a bit tired and need bringing right up to date. A top to bottom re-fit of each room, including en-suite, costs £12,000 and we still have funds to raise so would be delighted to hear from individuals or groups who can help us to make this vital difference”