PROJECT THROWBACK: SCOT’S SUPPORT PUTS FAMILIES FIRST
AberdeenPROJECT THROWBACK – 5 MAY 2016
PARENTS visiting sick children in an Aberdeen hospital are guaranteed a warm welcome thanks to a Wooden Spoon-sponsored refurbishment.
Wooden Spoon Scotland donated more than £38,500 to The Archie Foundation in 2016 to fund the redevelopment of the reception and lounge area at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital’s (RACH) family support unit.
The facility hosts families visiting young patients and Wooden Spoon’s support has allowed it to provide a new information office alongside the reception area, which includes a parents’ lounge and kitchen.
Sir Moir Lochhead, chairman of the Scottish Rugby Union and patron of The ARCHIE Foundation, was on hand to officially open the new project on 5 May 2016, which is a key part of ARCHIE’s ambitious aim to refit the entire unit.
Sir Moir Lochhead, Chairman of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and Patron of The ARCHIE Foundation, opened the Wooden Spoon Scotland Refurbished Reception and office area in the Royal Aberdeen Children’s hospital (RACH) Family Support unit on Thursday 5th May 2016.
Speaking at the opening, Wooden Spoon Scotland chairman Charlie Bryden said: “We were delighted to support the appeal as having parents and siblings close by makes a real difference to children when in hospital.“Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby and a way for the sport to give something back to the community.”
The family support unit comprises a kitchen, dining room and sitting area alongside the office, where guests are able to access support and advice.
The centre also houses 19 en-suite bedrooms allowing parents and relatives to access free accommodation during children’s hospital stays, some of which can last for several months.
David Cunningham, chief executive of the ARCHIE Foundation, said that the facilities were already proving popular with visitors. He explained: “We have been able to refit this whole area thanks to the generosity of Wooden Spoon Scotland, who donated over £38,500.”
“We are extremely grateful to everybody who has helped us get this far. The enthusiastic reaction from parents tells us just how much of a difference these new facilities make to them.”
Wooden Spoon Scotland is a long-standing supporter of RACH, having made a £60,000 donation in 2004 to fund a play area in the hospital’s accident and emergency reception.
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