Celebrating the launch of Broomfield’s £250,000 appeal to help specialist burns and plastics centre
Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity has launched a major new fundraising appeal to raise £250,000 for patients receiving life-changing care at Broomfield Hospital’s St Andrews Centre.
The St Andrew’s Burns and Plastics Appeal aims to enhance the recovery, comfort and wellbeing of children and adults treated at the specialist regional centre, which provides specialised burns, plastic and reconstructive surgery and hand therapy services to patients across Essex and beyond.
For many patients, a devastating burn, traumatic injury or cancer diagnosis can change life in an instant. The specialist teams at the St Andrew’s Centre deliver expert treatment when it matters most, helping people through some of the most challenging and frightening moments of their lives.
Funds raised through the appeal will help create a more supportive and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones. Planned improvements include enhanced waiting and treatment areas, overnight beds for relatives, sensory items and artwork for children and investment in specialist facilities and training.
The St Andrew’s Centre has been a centre of excellence in burns, plastics and dermatology care for more than 50 years and serves as a major regional hub for specialist treatment. From emergency interventions and reconstructive surgery to long-term rehabilitation and psychological support, the centre helps patients rebuild confidence, independence and hope for the future.
Tanya Bradd, Senior Sister, Children’s Burns Ward, said: “In my 16 years on the children’s burns wards I’ve met some remarkable children who have shown so much resilience, they’re incredible, as are their families that go through it all with them. Going further for our patients is something we as a team do every day, support from this appeal will mean we can go that bit further to provide the all-important extras that make a big difference”.
One patient whose life has been transformed by the centre is Maizie Stockwell. The burns team has cared for Maizie since she suffered a severe burn injury aged just eight months.
Her mum, Jodie Stockwell, from Terling, near Chelmsford, said: “When Maizie was airlifted to Broomfield Hospital, it was the burns team that saved my daughter’s life. As a family we see the children’s ward as our second home and the team as an extension of our family.
“Maizie has had 57 operations in total and many of those have been at Broomfield. When she’s been unable to leave the ward due to infection risk, it’s been the themed rooms, toys, sensory lights and games that have made all the difference. The beds mean we can stay close to her too.
“When it comes to clinical care, emotional support and friendship, we couldn’t ask for more.”
The charity is encouraging individuals, community groups and businesses to support the appeal through donations, fundraising events and sponsored challenges.
Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “For many patients, like Maizie, a devastating burn, traumatic injury or cancer diagnosis can change life in an instant.
“We already know the amazing specialist teams at the St Andrew’s Centre deliver expert treatment when it matters most, helping people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. With your support we want to do even more.
“Funds raised through this appeal will help create a more supportive and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones. Planned improvements include enhanced waiting and treatment areas, overnight beds for relatives, sensory items and artwork for children and investment in specialist facilities and training.”
If you’d like to support the St Andrew’s Burns and Plastics Appeal, donations can be made via our website, here: Donate to St Andrews Burns and Plastics Appeal
If your organisation, community group or school would like for a member of our team to visit you to present on this appeal, please contact us at mse.charity@nhs.net
