Laurie's ward. Also, things to do with eggs

[kalypso_v]

I went to Birmingham today to see the new Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital, which is what we've been raising money for through the Laurie Engel Fund. It's due to open to patients in January

Comments

[sallymn]

It all looks wonderful, not fussy but with that bit extra that will help...

[kalypso_v]

They said one of the key concepts is to give the patients as much control over their environment as possible, because getting cancer involves so much loss of control.

[emmzzi]

this is a great project!

[kalypso_v]

Get better and become an ace pool player!

[metamorphosa]

You know what, I know people gripe about our NHS, and yes it has problems, and yes it requires amazing people to fundraise in order to keep it going, but I think it is effing amazing. So many aspects about this Laurie's Ward show just how far medical care has come to understand the psychological aspect to health. I still find it hard to think back to when my son was little, but when I do, even then - just nine years ago - it was a big deal for me to be allowed to stay with him while he was at BCH. I stayed there for ten days on a chair in a packed ward, and it took a huge amount of psychological strength to 'be there' for him. Yet he was the one also dealing with an illness! Teenagers are even more alone in this respect.

I think it's brilliant!

[kalypso_v]

it was a big deal for me to be allowed to stay with him

There's an article my mother wrote on this subject, in 1965. I'll try to type it up.

[vjezkova]

This is gorgeous, congratulations on that programme!

[pinkdormouse]

That all looks excellent!