Celebrating Services for Children

16-May-2012

SLHT celebrated its children's services on Friday 11 May 2012, with the launch of the Child Development Centre (CDC) and the anniversary of the hugely successful Children's and Young People's Assessment Unit (CYPAU) both at Queen Mary's Sidcup.

At an event attended by James Brokenshire MP and Teresa O'Neill Council Leader at the London Borough of Bexley, Trust staff welcomed colleagues and families to take a look at how children's services are developing at the Trust.

The event was generously sponsored by Mrs Back to Front who delighted several young guests with her entertainment; Kingfisher Junior Football Club scored by funding refreshments for the event, Elaine Reeve of Pretty Yum Things made and donated an outstanding celebratory cake, and SLH children's services staff competing for the cup-cake champion title, donated their exquisite homemade designs for eating only after judging. The finishing touch was the release of 250 balloons to mark these exciting developments in local healthcare for children.

When the CYPAU, first opened in November 2010, it was a flagship service providing specialist non-urgent care, supported by a paediatric consultant, for the 0-17s. With specially trained staff available seven days a week (9am – 8pm), younger patients are able to receive treatment or interventions which can mean avoiding a hospital stay and in the comfort of a child friendly environment. The centre has provided a valuable resource for parents in the area knowing where they can go to for help.

The Trust is also delighted with the arrival of the Child Development Centre, opened at Queen Mary's in November 2011 where the full spectrum of services are available under one roof enabling multi disciplinary teams of healthcare and local authority specialists to provide a seamless service for children with a variety of complex needs. This will enable many families to receive a number of different services for their children under one roof, avoiding the need to attend for many different appointments and having to retell their story.

The whole party was delighted by surprise visitor Steve Backley, OBE, former javelin world record holder, who arrived just in time to cut the ribbon. He says "I was born at Queen Mary's and so were my children and I'm very happy to be here today. This occasion isn't special because of me, it's because of the staff whose determination has made this service for children possible, just like the determination of our Olympic athletes!"

Chris Streather, Chief Executive of South London Healthcare NHS Trust says "All those involved should be very proud of the progress made in joining up important services for children, and I have to say, celebrating children's services with children is definitely the best way to do it!"