Qa Hospital staff are taking part in walk to help patients

HOSPITAL staff are taking on a 10km walk to raise cash for equipment which will benefit the lives of their young patients.
Staff from the child assessment unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital are taking part in the hospital's Ward Walk in MayStaff from the child assessment unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital are taking part in the hospital's Ward Walk in May
Staff from the child assessment unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital are taking part in the hospital's Ward Walk in May

The team from Queen Alexandra Hospital’s children’s assessment unit are taking part in this year’s Ward Walk organised by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

The annual event sees hundreds of people complete 5km or 10km routes around Staunton Country Park in Havant.

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This is the second time the staff have taken part after being inspired to sign up last year by young patient Oliver Barkley.

The toddler was five days old when the team started caring for him after he had a collapsed lung.

When he arrived, staff needed to check his blood gas results 11 times in an hour but had to share a blood gas analysing machine with another department.

Tracey Thomas, sister and assistant practice educator for the unit, knew they needed their own analyser so she and her colleagues decided it was time to start fundraising.

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Oliver’s mum Clara, from Farlington, is hugely grateful to the staff for their care.

She said: ‘Following a very normal pregnancy and delivery at 10 days overdue, Oliver was cared for by the unit after being found pale and unresponsive.

‘His heart rate was 60, and we have since been told he was the closest to a cardiac arrest he could have been.

‘Oliver has now fully recovered and is really laid back.

‘We will be forever grateful and in awe of the job the staff do.

‘Our superheroes saved our little superhero.’

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Having raised enough last year for the blood gas analysing machine, this year the staff are raising cash for an interactive floor projector.

It projects games such as hopscotch, mini football and a piano on to the floor.

They will be aiming to raise £7,000 at the walk, which is on May 21, at 10am.

REGISTRATION

Registration is now open for people wanting to take part in this year’s ward walk.

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The event on May 21 at 10am will see hundreds of people walk in either 5km or 10km routes around Staunton Country Park in Havant.

At the event there will be a cake sale, snack bar, refreshments, picnic area and free parking. Staunton Country Park is also offering 50 per cent off Staunton farm tickets on the day for those taking part.

It is £2 to register and a minimum sponsorship of £15 is suggested. To register visit porthosp.nhs.uk/charity, call the fundraising team on (023) 9228 6000 extension 5927 or email [email protected]

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