Appeal as Galway Sick Kids Charity seeks hospital playroom upgrade

In its latest initiative, the Galway Sick Kids Foundation hopes to refurbish the playroom in St Bernadette's Paediatric Ward, creating a modern and welcoming space for young patients and their families.

Interior Design students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are developing concepts for the playroom under the guidance of lecturer Lynn O’Loughlin.

First-year students have already designed their ideas for the space, while fourth-year students will further develop the proposals during the upcoming autumn semester.

“This is a beautiful project,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

“The upgraded playroom will incorporate many elements of the students’ work, including age-appropriate features, durability, longevity and child-friendly design.”

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The Galway Sick Kids Foundation and the Paediatric Management Team at UHG welcomed the partnership with ATU and praised the creativity and enthusiasm shown by students throughout the project.

“We are delighted to have this collaboration and are very grateful to everyone in ATU for their enthusiasm and the wonderful designs produced to date,” the spokesperson said.

“Now we need your help to upgrade the playroom.”

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The Galway Sick Kids Foundation was established in 2017 to improve the hospital experience for children and families attending the Paediatric Unit at the hospital.

Since then, its support has expanded to include children and families using neonatal services (NICU), the Children’s Accident and Emergency Ward and other vital children’s services at Merlin Park Hospital.

Serving families across Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal and North Clare, the foundation provides equipment, facilities and resources that help create a more child-friendly environment for young patients during what can often be a stressful and challenging time.

At a recent fundraising event, the charity’s chairperson, Dr Ethel Ryan, a paediatrician at UHG, explained how the funds raised make a meaningful difference to children and families attending the hospital.

“It allows us to make life that little bit easier for children attending the hospital and for their parents,” she said.

Urgent Appeal

To help turn the playroom plans into reality, the charity is encouraging members of the public to nominate the Galway Sick Kids Foundation for funding through the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

Supporters can vote by selecting the Galway Sick Kids Foundation, entering Charity Number 20161019, choosing the Connacht region and selecting the social theme ‘Other’.

The voting link is available on the AIB website here Supporters can also scan the QR code on the charity’s promotional material to help it reach its goal.

The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, employees and communities to support charities making a positive impact in their local areas.

This year, AIB will allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by customers and the public, while a further €300,000 will be distributed to organisations selected by employees.

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, AIB has also announced an additional one-off contribution of €60,000 to the fund, providing an extra €10,000 for each region and allowing even more community projects to benefit.

The Galway Sick Kids Foundation hopes strong public support will help secure funding for the playroom upgrade, ensuring children attending UHG have access to an improved space where they can play, relax and enjoy some normality during their stay.

Those interested in volunteering at future fundraising events or organising their own fundraiser can contact the charity at [email protected].

Further information is available through the Galway Sick Kids Foundation’s social media channels.

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