QEHB is performing an increasing number of transplants each year, and the number of people on the transplant waiting list is also rising.
Following an operation, transplant patients require a stay in the Critical Care Unit at the hospital, followed by an inpatient stay. Whilst recovery times are improving, with some patients able to be discharged within a relatively short time frame, in some cases medical and surgical complications mean that patients need a Critical Care bed for weeks, and in some exceptional cases for months. When this is the case, it is important that families are able to remain nearby to the patient, to offer help and support.
There are approximately 12 transplant families at any one time visiting their relatives who have received a transplant at QEHB. Whilst some of these families are local to the West Midlands and can travel to and from QEHB each day, others live much further afield. On account of the large catchment area served by the hospital, some transplant families travel from the North West, Wales, and Southwest.
UHB Charity wants to bring a ‘home away from home’ nearby to the hospital, so that families of transplant patients can be close to their loved ones in their time of need, without having to worry about financial pressures or finding accommodation at short notice.
Charlotte Schofield, UHB Charity’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Having their loved ones close by will be a huge source of comfort for transplant patients. A dedicated home away from home will ensure that patients won’t have to worry about their family’s accommodation which, in turn, will help them to concentrate on their medical recovery, whilst families can focus on what really matters; being there for their loved one as they undergo life-changing surgery.
“We need to raise £300,000 in order to fund the home away from home, which will be situated within a five minute walk of the hospital, offering a non-clinical environment for families and patients. The Charity will also be responsible for the ongoing running costs of the home, which will include funding every day home comforts like tea, coffee and biscuits, as well as heating, electricity and overall maintenance of the property.”
To support transplant patients and their families, please donate what you can today. To find out more about the appeal please call 0121 371 4852 or email charities@uhb.nhs.uk
