Westcoast boost supports young patients cared for by the Royal Berkshire Charity

A donation has been made to the Royal Berkshire Charity by IT giant Westcoast, based in Arrowhead Road, Theale.

The sum will enable the transformation of the Lion and Dolphin children's ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

"As a local business, Westcoast is pleased to be able to support the Royal Berkshire Charity in making this project come to life," said Westcoast marketing director Jess Tyley.

"We hope the new children's playroom will make being in hospital a little more enjoyable for the young patients and their families for many years to come."

The Lion and Dolphin ward is a 44-bed acute paediatric ward, caring for 80 new patients aged up to 16 every week on average.

Young patients on these wards can have complex needs – including cancer or mental health problems – meaning their stay can last up to six months, longer depending on their health needs.

The paediatric team therefore aspires to revolutionise the current play area to improve the hospital experience for its younger patients.

The team is headed by matron Claire Lord.

"We are incredibly grateful to Westcoast for their amazing donation and would like to say a huge thank you to them for helping to make our vision become a reality," she said.

"The playroom is around 20-years-old so is in desperate need of modernising.

"Our goal is to create a welcoming space where young patients can relax and forget about the routine of being in hospital.

"We want to provide a less clinical and more homely environment.

"The play area is considered a 'safe' zone away from clinical treatment, and we want to ensure it is inviting and immersive."