What Do Our Patients Think?

Our Children’s Health Park has received overwhelming support from our parents, staff, politicians and other stakeholders but most importantly of all from the children of the North West. Out of the 7350 responses we received during our public consultation, 900 were from children and young people.

Chief Executive Louise Shepherd explains: “We were overwhelmed by the response from our young people who were very clear in what they wanted to see in their new hospital. They highlighted many of the problems that had been identified by our professionals including the quarter mile corridor between A&E and Theatres, crowded wards and lack of privacy.”

Our patients’ concerns about the current Alder Hey site are echoed daily across our inpatient wards.

Laura Cummings (14) wants better privacy and more to do in a more attractive environment:

“There isn’t enough privacy on the wards and I wish there was more privacy during visits. I know the younger kids are kept busy with toys but there isn’t much for the older children. It would be a great idea if the new hospital had workshops for the teenagers like me. There could be a workshop room for patients who are able to leave their bed and for their brothers and sisters as they get bored too. It would also be nice to stay in a more colourful and friendly space.”

Hayden Cornerford (14) believes that improvements are needed in the hospital environment:

“The hospital needs to be more welcoming and colourful. Maybe pictures and artwork for older patients would help them relax.”

Libby Roberts (6) also agrees that changes are needed to the environment and wants the ward to feel like her bedroom at home:“I am lucky to have my own room here but the walls are really boring. At home I have got rainbow wallpaper and carpets which look really bright. I think if the walls of my room were bright it would help cheer me up and make me feel like I’m at home.”

Five year old Aiden Hewitt (5) thinks our hospital should be less of a frightening experience:

“I want the hospital to have lots of colours and places to see so I can forget I have to be in hospital.”

Daniel Lolley (12) has trouble sleeping at night on his ward and wishes his room had a view:

“I’m on a busy ward now which is good as I see people but I would like to be somewhere with a bit of privacy. I wish that there were private rooms so the different ages of children don’t disturb each other with crying and machines. There is also no window by my bed and I would like to be able to see lots of greenery and trees out of a window to cheer me up while I have to be in hospital.”

Feedback from children on our wards will be really important as we work with our bidders on the specifications and designs of individual wards in our new hospital.

Link to Alder Hey's Official YouTube Channel