Steve Brine visited the hospital on Saturday 15th Septemebr, as the new look reception area on the children's unit was opened on Northbrook ward.
The entrance and reception area of Northbrook ward has been rebuilt thanks to the Magic Wand Appeal, a charity raising funds to modernise the unit. This is the first step on the way to a bright future for children needing hospital care.
So far generous supporters of the appeal have donated nearly £128,000 with activities including a tandem cycle ride from John O'Groats to Lands' End and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The single largest donation was for £80,000 from the Sophie Barringer Trust, bringing their total contribution to over £120,000 since the construction of Sophie's place assessment area in 2007.
The new reception was opened by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Frank Pearson, and the Magic Wand Appeal is one of his chosen charities for his year in office.
Local MP Steve Brine said: "This is another excellent leap forward in the updating of Winchester Hospital and I hope shows once again investment going in to secure the first class patient experience this hospital had always been known for."
The opening was attended by parents, staff and supporters, including Sainsbury's Badger Farm, who supplied the hospitality and Curry's who presented a laptop to the winner of the children's competition to design a gadget for the future.
Two large cheques were also presented by local groups Due South Scooters and the Fulflood Ball committee who have both raised money for the appeal.
The event also marked the launch of phase two of the appeal to increase the children's assessment area and to create a new outpatient's family area at an estimated cost of £420K to be raised by charitable funds.
Dr Ian Rodd, Consultant Paediatrician at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, said: "I am thrilled that we can now open this next phase of the modernisation of our unit. It is a great step forward, and we hope it won't be long before we see a whole new look to the children's department here in Winchester."
