Xboxes bring entertainment to young patients at Basildon Hospital
Basildon Hospital are benefiting from two new gaming trollies, complete with Xbox consoles, thanks to a generous £3,060 donation funded through the Maldon Mud Race.
The donation was made following this year’s super-successful event, which raised more than £50,000 to support local charities. Event sponsor JR Revell not only backed the popular race but also had their very own team take on the challenge to provide additional fundraising.
The children’s wards were chosen as JR Revell’s nominated charity due to a personal connection with the hospital. The company’s Operations Manager has a partner who works as a Sister on Basildon’s Puffin and Wagtail wards, inspiring the team to support young patients and raise funds specifically for the gaming trollies.
As part of its sponsorship of the Maldon Mud Race, JR Revell is able to nominate a charity to receive 50% of the funds raised by its team. Staff enthusiastically embraced the muddy challenge, helping to fund equipment that will make a real difference to children and young people during their time in hospital.
The new portable gaming trollies gifted to the children’s wards will play an important role in helping older children and teenagers stay entertained during their hospital stay. For patients who are too poorly or need to remain in rooms due to infection prevention measures, the trollies will create greater access to play and distraction.
Of the two new trollies, one will be based in the ward’s new teen room, which is currently being refurbished, with the other available to be shared across children’s ward areas, helping more young patients access the equipment.
Elise Fleetwood, Senior Partnerships Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Maldon Mud Race and JR Revell for choosing to support children’s services at Basildon Hospital. Donations made through the charity allow us to fund items like this which go above and beyond NHS provision.
“These gaming trollies will make a real difference to children during what can often be a challenging time. Thank you to everyone whose support has benefited our younger patients.”
Similar gaming trollies have already proved popular at Southend and Broomfield hospitals. While Basildon’s children’s wards already had gaming units available, these new mobile versions make the equipment far more accessible to patients across the wards.
Ronnie Baker, Operations Manager at JR Revell Ltd, said “Having a personal connection to the children’s wards makes this a cause particularly close to our hearts. When we were given the opportunity to nominate a charity through our involvement with the Maldon Mud Race, supporting the young patients at Basildon Hospital was a natural choice.
“We are delighted that the money raised will help provide entertainment and welcome distractions for children and teenagers during their hospital stay.”