An oil and gas firm has handed over thousands of pounds to help transform the north-east’s only children’s hospital.
A major upgrade of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital is under way, led by the ARCHIE Foundation, which aims to make the hospital a world-class facility.
In June, a pair of giraffes and three elephants were welcomed to the grounds of the Foresterhill site, with the new gardens to be unveiled.
And now, offshore company, Nexen Petroleum has handed over £17,000 towards the renovation work inside the facility.
The cash will be used to refurbish a child’s room on the wards and a parent’s room inside the family centre.
Yesterday, the company’s UK managing director, Ray Riddoch, was given a tour of the facility.
Mr Riddoch said it is “hugely important” for Nexen to support the hospital.
He said: “ARCHIE is an established charity within Aberdeen with a focus in the city which is also now looking elsewhere.
“We’re absolutely delighted we can help the charity make a difference and it’s important for me being born in the city and seeing the hospital develop.
“There’s some fantastic work going on here, if you look at the new facilities what strikes you is how relaxing it makes you feel.
“For parents and families coming from as far afield as Shetland to be able to come to rooms that are comfortable and more
like a home than a hospital is vital.”
Meanwhile, work is progressing on transforming the link bridge from the neighbouring infirmary into a digital art gallery, which will display childrens’ drawings.
And later on this year, refurbishment work will be carried out in all the childrens’ rooms.
David Cunningham, ARCHIE’s chief executive, added: “The staff of Nexen have held a number of events and, assisted by the company’s charity funds, are now helping ARCHIE to make a real difference for sick children on the wards and for parents using our family centre.
“Both are crucial to the well-being of children in hospital and we are hugely grateful for this latest generous donation.”
