The tremendous success of Sophie's Place, the Children's Assessment and Treatment area on Northbrook Ward, funded by Sophie's Appeal, inspired the Hospital to launch the Magic Wand Appeal to regenerate the entire children's ward and provide modern childcare facilities befitting of the ethos of the dedicated consultants and staff on the ward.
The reception area was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Frank Pearson and attended by MP Steve Brine, young patients, their parents, staff from the ward as well as the fundraising committee from Sophie's Appeal.
This new area provides a bright, friendly and secure welcome to all visitors to the ward and provides a tantalising insight into the future development of the ward.
Consultant paediatrician Ian Rodd said: "Today is the end of the beginning. Inspired by Sophie's Place, we have started the regeneration of the children's ward which will provide a bright, welcoming facility for childcare in Winchester.
Sophie's Appeal's relationship with Northbrook Ward was started with a conversation between Dr Ian and Sophie's dad in the small hours of one dark February morning in 2004 when both shared their ideas about transforming the childcare facilities whilst Sophie was being treated on the ward.
Sophie's Appeal would like to thank both the local community and businesses that have supported our fundraising aims. Without you none of this would have been possible. Thank you.
As Ian said, 'This is the end of the beginning'. Please keep checking back to see how you can help us to continue to support this project.
