New bathroom helps children with complex needs

A hospital has created specialist washing and changing facilities for babies and children with complex needs.

Improvements to the bathroom on Paddington Ward at Northampton General Hospital include a purpose-designed changing table.

Nicola Hunt, the ward's senior health care assistant, said: "These enhancements mean the space now better meets patient and family needs."

The project was funded by Northamptonshire Health Charity, which raises money for the hospital and Kettering General Hospital.

The bathroom has also been redecorated with a bright wall mural to create a calmer space for the children, including those with mobility or learning difficulties.

Hospital visits can be challenging for any child, but for those with complex needs, everyday tasks like washing and changing require the right environment, the charity said.

The improvements were made possible by a Dragons' Den-style event, where teams from across the hospital pitched ideas for projects that go beyond core NHS provision.

Hunt said: "The funding has enabled improvements that make a real difference for children with complex needs by providing appropriate equipment and a suitable environment for personal care."

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