Children’s Ward

Our paediatric departments deal with acute and emergency conditions in children and new-born babies. The department treats every child and baby as an individual, with unique physical, psychological, spiritual and educational needs. It also recognises the importance of family involvement and support, and aims to provide support for families to return home with the confidence and knowledge which enables them to continue care in the child’s natural environment.

Each year we raise funds through the charity, across sites and through the wards to support projects that go above and beyond the NHS provisions in terms of ensuring the best possible outcomes and experiences for the children in the wards. Some of the things we have raised funds for in the past include the:

  • Refurbishment of the Children’s Critical Care Rooms
  • A new Sensory Voyager
  • The introduction of a Youth Space (Riverbank) for older teens
  • The refurbishment of the Parents Lounge
  • The donation of a Magic Carpet Projector
  • A new playroom in the Riverbank Ward

A high percentage of the patients treated on the wards have special needs including visual impairments, physical or mental disabilities and include those who have experienced a trauma. Through the fundraising we do, we are recognising the bravery of the children on the ward and attempting to create the most comforting space possible in order to lessen the stress and anxiety patients and families may feel in relation to their stays.

The Children’s Ward (Luton) and Riverbank Ward (Bedford) treat over 10,000 children every year. With your help we can ensure that the children receiving treatment and their families are made as comfortable as possible in order to improve their responsiveness to treatments.

If you wish to make a donation to the Luton Children’s Ward, you can do this via our JustGiving.
If you wish to make a donation to the Riverbank Ward, you can do this via our JustGiving.
We also have an Amazon Wish List for the Luton Children’s Ward and Riverbank Ward, if you wish to donate and send toys and activities directly to the playroom.

For different ways to support the children’s ward at either Bedford or Luton, you can:

  • Fundraise for us – please contact Fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk for a fundraising pack
  • Send a cheque made payable to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity to the Charity Team, L&D Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ. Please place Children’s Ward or Riverbank Ward on the back of the cheque
  • Make a payment over the phone. Call 01582 718 289 and speak to a member of the team
  • Make a BACS payment. Please email Fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk for bank details