Wednesday 5 September 2012

Families of Ocean Ward

Ocean Ward: -

http://www.oceanward.co.uk/index2011.html

This is the peadiatric cardiology ward at Southampton General hospital where Noah was officially diagnosed, had his operation, and is still treated when need be. The ward itself is amazing; they treat all children from birth right up until their later teenage years and cater for everybody. The whole ward is kept to an ocean theme, all the rooms and little wards have ocean themed names, the walls and floors are decorated to be like you are in the ocean and they have fish tanks too, which Noah has always loved to watch. There is a playroom with all sorts of toys and games and craft activities for all ages, run by two play specialists who are both lovely and friendly and welcoming. There are also dvds and portable dvd players available, which was fantastic for the last time we were there in June (just before Noah's second birthday) for a cardiac catheter and to balloon his valve to try and widen it again (which unfortunately was not successful). Trying to soothe a 2 year old who is not allowed to eat or drink in preparation for theatre, and doesnt understand why, only for that to be delayed and having to go even longer is not easy, thank god for this facility and Finding Nemo! There is also a kitchen for the families to make use of, a breastfeeding room with everything needed to pump and store breastmilk for the babies, without which I wouldnt have been able to keep up breastfeeding Noah while he was in for his first op and that was something very important to me as I wanted him to have the best chance possible. There is also a seperate area for teenagers where they have tv and games consoles and their own lounge so they can chill out away from the little ones. All of this costs a great deal to maintain, and then of course you have all of the medical equipment, and the many fantastic staff, who no matter how busy they are will always make time to talk to you if you are worried, and make sure you understand everything going on etc. It all adds up, but has meant so much to us so we would love to be able to give something back.

Donna

Families of Ocean Ward: -
Registered charity number 1145013

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