The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Children’s theatre suite designed
Exciting first glimpse of the Ninewells Hospital unit part-funded by the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail
Initial designs for the world-class children’s theatre suite being created by NHS Tayside and the ARCHIE Foundation at Ninewells Hospital have been revealed for the first-time.
The dedicated paediatric unit will include a twin operating theatre suite at Tayside Children’s Hospital in Ninewells that will allow significantly more children to receive their surgery in a dedicated paediatric environment.
The design images show a ward space that is bright and spacious, with access to outside play space.
There are plans for play areas for children of all ages, and a parents’ room which also leads outdoors.
Crucially, the twin surgical suite will mean the operating capacity is doubled, allowing dental operations to take place in the Children’s Hospital too.
The new surgical facilities will cost around £6 million and are being paid for by the Scottish Government and NHS Tayside, but the ARCHIE Foundation is raising £2m to provide ancillary facilities to make the suite as attractive and effective as possible for the children and families who will be using it.
More than half of the funds have already been raised, with last year’s hugely successful Oor Wullie Bucket Trail contributing £883,000.
The designs, developed by RDA Architects, were created in consultation with clinical staff, patients, families and carers who use the current Dental Area 2A and Ward 30.
Lorna Wiggin, chief operating officer of NHS Tayside and the project sponsor, said: “I am delighted with the progress being made in the planning for the Children’s Surgical Suite.
“The outline plans have been drawn up following extensive input from clinical staff of all disciplines and a number of workshops with families.
“The momentum of the project will continue into the next phase which will see the design develop in more detail.”
RDA Architects director Kirk Stewart said: “We have had several successful workshops, including a patient and family group, which have all proven extremely beneficial to inform certain aspects of the design concept and the children’s experience.”
Dave Tipping, director of projects for the ARCHIE Foundation, said: “The layout will provide a clear journey for children and their families, from pre-op through to surgery and into recovery with lots of space for play inside and out.”
The next stage of the process will be to add the details to each of the rooms and areas within the proposed layout.
ARCHIE Foundation chief executive David Cunningham said: “This is a really exciting stage for the Children’s Theatre Suite Project. The fantastic design images and fly-through video will help people see just what they are raising money for and the difference it will make to local children.”
Sir, - In reply to Councillor Fraser Macpherson (June 13) there has been no mention of who would fund the £20 million to £30 million required to buy back the car parking contract from the current operator at Ninewells Hospital.
This has been reported on several occasions as a reason why it and two others in Scotland are still privately run.
NHS Tayside certainly does not have the funds.
There is also the cost of employing the staff required to police the entrances, supply and erect the booths with lighting and heating and alter the entry barriers to suit a new system.
There is also the ongoing cost of maintenance of the all car park infrastructure.
Would the courtesy bus be kept?
Where would the money come from except from the hospital budget which is struggling for cash as it is?
What does Mr Macpherson mean by effective management and legitimate users?
The time spent checking on the validity of the occupant of each vehicle would result in more delays should there be a disagreement .
People might not wish to disclose why they are visiting hospital.
It was well known when there was free parking that people parked there and got the bus into town as it was the cheapest option.
While I sympathise with the residents, it is clear that Councillor Macpherson has not thought this problem through. Alfred Small. 8 Claypotts Terrace, Dundee.