Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. I am raising money for The Carer Support Team, Starfish Children's Ward, WGH.

Three years ago, our younger daughter spent a short time on the Starfish Ward, following an emergency admission to Watford General Hospital. It was her 4th emergency trip to hospital and she was eventually diagnosed with asthma.

At that time, the Carer Support Team did not exist, but we would have really benefited from the support of their amazing volunteers. I've explained below a bit about what they do to assist parents and support the wonderful staff on the ward.

Whilst we were on the ward, there was a tiny child in the bed opposite whose family members were not able to be with her. I found it heart-breaking that she had no-one familiar to care for her. Had the Carer Support Team existed at the time, this is the kind of situation in which they would have been able to help. 

The Team is a team of volunteers which aims to give practical support to 2000 carers who find themselves on the Starfish Children's Ward (the "Ward") each year at Watford Hospital.  The Ward is usually very busy with 22 beds for children.  Most admissions are unplanned. Carers often lack a 24/7 support network and some have limited English skills.  They are invariably stressed, as they face sitting beside their sick child, often for indeterminable periods of time. 

A Team volunteer may sit with the  child while a carer takes a shower or help the carer compile a list of questions to ask their child's consultant. The Team will also distribute Information Sheets to Carers which will set out all essential information they need to know about the Ward and the Hospital.  

The Team works closely with the nursing staff, relying on them for direction to those carers in most need.  Consultants, doctors and nurses are all very supportive (with many of them sitting on our Management Committee).  

All donations received help the Team cover its running costs and continue to do good work on the Ward.  When the Team is in a financial position to do so, it funds improvements on the Ward.  Recent purchases include, a water cooler for the Ward; refurbishing the Parent’s Room, breastfeeding chairs for Children’s Emergency, toiletries for patients/carers arriving unprepared for unplanned admissions.  They are now looking to raise money to replace the Ward’s failing mobile sensory unit (£2k) which gives great relief to patients and their carers.

All donations are much appreciated and will be put to good use by the Team.  Many thanks.

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