In 2014 the doors opened to our brand new Emergency Department. Every year since then an average of 75,000 patients have walked through those doors to seek emergency care. That means in just 9 years over half a million people have received help from the Airedale Emergency Department when they need it most.

Like everything well used, some of the most important areas in our Emergency Department are starting to look a bit tired and this is where we need you.

With your help we would like to raise funds to give our Emergency Department some TLC. We want to raise enough to make a real difference, to provide those added extras that make a real difference to you, our patients and our local community.

What are we raising money for?

There are three main areas that we would like to focus on during our appeal. Here's a little bit more information on each of them -

Paediatric waiting area

Our young ones can face a distressing time when they are poorly and need to come to hospital. Its important that their experience is calm and positive to help them deal with caring for their health both now and in the future. Giving these patients a positive experience will prevent them from having a negative opinion of hospitals when they are adults.

Our well used paediatric waiting area is looking tired and worn. We would like to raise funds to refurbish the space for our children and their families, to give them somewhere comfortable to wait.

The space is currently empty as most individual toys and games had to be removed during the Covid pandemic. Our plans include providing entertainment and distraction activities that are safe and clean and will stand the test of time meaning our investment will go even further. The room will be decorated to be bright and calm with the addition of a sensory area, comfortable seating, interactive walls and floor and a soft play zone.

Paediatric resuscitation area

Sadly, at times, extremely poorly patients may need resuscitating. This an extremely difficult time for the staff, family, loved ones and of course the patients themselves. This can be even harder if resuscitation is required for a child.

We are working in collaboration with the paediatric team in the Emergency Department to identify ways that these children can have the best possible care and experience at what is an extremely frightening time.

Our appeal will purchase equipment specifically tailored for the paediatric resuscitation room. Specialist sensory equipment will provide the opportunity for the child to have a calm and peaceful environment surrounding them after a distressing experience and will also provide safe stimulation once the initial emergency treatment is finished.

Bereavement facilities

There are times that families face the loss of a loved one when in hospital and its our job to look after them whilst facing that loss. Its hugely important that there is somewhere quiet and peaceful to go and be near their loved one at such a difficult time.

Following the death of a patient, bereaved family members or carers need a private space in which to grieve, asks questions and carry out the necessary affairs without being rushed or distracted. The bereavement suite will often be a families last experience of Airedale meaning the environment is important and meaningful.

This appeal will purchase furniture, equipment and other items for the bereavement suite to create the best environment possible when people need it most.

Of course, we cannot mention every item that this appeal will impact on. There are many other areas within our Emergency Department that you will help through your support. All funds raised will be used for the benefit of the patients and staff in the Emergency Department and future visitors to the department from the Airedale community for years to come.*

How you can help

If you would like to support our Emergency Department Appeal and help us reach our target you can donate via this page. You can also make donations via cheque or in cash and bank transfer, please visit our website www.airedalecharity.org for more details.

If you would like to organise your own event or fundraising challenge to help us meet our target our Charity team are ready to support you every step of the way. Please contact the team via email on anhsft.charity@nhs.net or by telephone on 01535 294870 to get started.

Thank you for showing your love for Airedale!

*Any funds remaining at the end of the appeal will continue to be used for the Emergency Department at Airedale General Hospital.