Children’s Sensory Room launched at UHW’s Paediatric Ward

A Sensory Room has been officially launched at the Paediatric Ward in University Hospital Waterford.

Geared to children with needs but available for all children (including those attending outpatients), the equipping of the Sensory Room has been made possible with the generous sponsorship of the ‘Juniors for Juniors’ foundation.

The Sensory Room features a range of items, including a bubble tube, projected screens, fibre optic tubes and an interactive 3D monitor.

Speaking at its official launch, Ruth White (Clinical Nurse Manager 2, UHW) said:

“People will be aware of the dedication with which all of our team serve here at the Paediatric Ward in UHW, tending not just to children and their families locally but from throughout the South East region. We are very grateful to the ‘Juniors for Juniors’ foundation and to all those who donate to it, their support in providing additional patient comforts and resources, the latest of which is our Sensory Room, is greatly appreciated.”

“The Sensory Room will be a further help to us in UHW in assisting those with heightened emotions to have a space that will help them and their families cope with staying in or visiting our hospital for necessary treatment.”

“A recent example of this resource making a difference was in the case of one non-verbal child, whose anxiety during essential visits was greatly addressed by a visit to the Sensory Room. We noticed, upon a subsequent visit that this child upon arrival in the Ward sought out the Room, associating it with coping through their hospital visit.”

Speaking at the launch of the Sensory Room, Co-founder and Director of ‘Juniors for Juniors’ Emer Kelly added:

“At Juniors for Juniors, everything we do is about making a difficult time a little easier for children and their families. We’re incredibly proud to have funded this Sensory Room and we hope it becomes a place where children can feel calmer, safer and more comfortable during their time in hospital.”

“Projects like this are only possible because of the incredible support we’ve received. From children holding lemonade stands, to local businesses, schools, communities and everyone who has donated over the years, all have helped make a real difference. Every Euro raised goes towards improving the experience of children receiving care. On behalf of everyone at Juniors for Juniors, thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible”