Recently, I was able to visit Broomfield Hospital and see the new Chemotherapy Unit. This has been designed with great care by a specialist architect who worked alongside staff and patients. Cancer patients who are being treated with chemotherapy spend many hours in the hospital, often all day every day. It was good to hear how the calm and spacious atmosphere in the new unit is making a real difference to both patients and staff well-being. The new unit was funded by Government as part of our plans to improve hospitals.
I also visited the beautiful memorial garden that has been planted in memory of those members of NHS staff who lost their lived during the pandemic. As a doctors wife, I saw how much our health service staff gave for all of us especially during the peak of hospital related pressures from Covid. We should never forget this. I hope this new garden give staff a place of quiet and peace.
As Childrens Minister I have been focusing on support for vulnerable children across the country. A highlight as been visiting the Holiday Activities and Food projects that have been running all across the country over the summer holidays. This new £220 million project has given thousands of children who are eligible to free school meals the chance to take part in exciting activities, supported parents with holiday childcare and provided healthy meals.
One of the most exciting things about this scheme is how creative providers have been in providing range of activities. From Football to kayaking, arts and crafts to coding, skateboard, den building, gardening and even training to become lifeguards. We know that projects like this can really help build children’s confidence, support their well being and help them academically when they return to school in September.
Thank you to all staff across the Trust who are continuing to work hard to deliver excellent care at this deeply challenging time and don’t forget to tune in to Hospital Radio Chelmsford by selecting channel 5 from the radio selection on the bedside entertainment, or via www.hrc.org.uk
