• Children’s unit changes gear thanks to donation of a mini electric car

    Bradford Royal Infirmary is geared-up to provide comfort and distraction to the hospital’s young patients thanks to the donation of a mini electric Land Rover Discovery.

    The miniature motorised vehicle Discovery was donated by Farnell Land Rover Bradford to Bradford Hospitals’ Charity on behalf of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT).

    It will be kept in our Children’s and Young People’s Unit’s play room at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), which allows our young patients to play with toys and games and take part in craft activities while they are in hospital.

    The state-of-the-art unit is part of the hospital’s new £28 million wing and includes two paediatric wards, the children’s clinical decision area, school room, play room and a dedicated teenage lounge with games consoles.

    The new facilities are making a real difference to young inpatients and their families during their time at BRI.

    Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are so grateful to Farnell Land Rover Bradford for the gift to our Children and Young People’s Unit. Our young patients can find hospital stays very difficult, so the distraction will make a huge difference to their experience.

    “The electric car has been great fun so far, and it really helps to settle the younger patients in the hospital, particularly when they’re driving to theatre!”

    Howard Jessop, head of business at Farnell Land Rover Bradford, said: “I’m really pleased we have been able to support Bradford Hospital children’s ward and I’m glad the cars have been a hit!

    “I’m sure that trips to the hospital can be a daunting experience for a little one so it’s great that our mini Discoveries can bring some joy to their stays.”