“We want to help every child feel at ease in hospital.”

13 December 2023

I’ve worked in the children’s A&E department for eight years. Some days are really difficult, but the  whole team and I have all chosen this job because we love making a real difference to the lives of children and their families.

During the winter, we see thousands of children with serious injuries and illnesses from across North West London, and the A&E team work hard to make sure every child receives exceptional care.

No family wants to go to hospital, and this can be a very anxious time for children and their parents.

We try to make things as comfortable as possible, but with longer waiting times in A&E during the busy winter months, we need more resources to soothe young patients and make them feel at ease.

"Donations will help us provide young patients with much needed toys and resources to lessen their anxiety whilst they wait for treatment."

Dr Emily Cadman

With your help we can do even more to support young patients before and during treatment who might be feeling distressed. We see the transformational difference charitable donations to St Mary's Hospital can make, as well as to the other hospitals we support.   

I’ve noticed over the years that play is a great way to lower stress levels, especially in our busy A&E where children may find themselves in an unfamiliar environment feeling unwell or in pain.

Donations to Imperial Health Charity's Winter Appeal will help us provide young patients with much needed toys and resources to lessen their anxiety whilst they wait for treatment.

Resources such as special lights for our ceiling tiles, comfortable seating in our waiting rooms and fun games to entertain children and teens waiting to be treated will mean the world to families during an immensely difficult time.

Your donation will also make a real difference to children in need of urgent care, helping to transform the waiting room into a more comfortable space, with fresh artwork and extra seating for families.

Any donation – large or small – will be gratefully received by the children’s A&E team. Thank you in advance for all your support, it will make a huge difference to the children we treat every day.