26 September 2017
WATCh teddy bears comfort children and families during difficult times
The Wales & West Acute Transport for Children team (WATCh)
provide critical care, advice and transport for children to all
district general hospitals across South Wales and South West of
England.
Recently, the team received a kind donation of teddy bears, to
give to the children they transfer. The team wanted to add a
personal touch to these cuddly gifts, so WATCh nurse Carrie got in
touch with the 'Knitter and Natter' group at Downend library, to
see if they'd be able to help.
Carrie said: "I knew the 'Knitter and Natter' group really
like supporting local causes, and have in the past helped
NICU at St Michael's Hospital fundraise for Cots for Tots, knitting
blanket, hats and teddy bears.
"They were delighted to help the WATCh team by knitting special
jumpers for the teddy bears, knowing they will be helping children
and their families during a very difficult and emotional
time.
"We have been thrilled with how the jumpers have turned out and
that they are being so well received."
One patient who already has her own WATCh bear is 13 month old
Emilia.
Emilia's mother explains: "Emilia has spinal muscular atrophy, a
neuromuscular disease which makes her muscles very weak.
"She was first transported by WATCh when she was six months old,
following a collapsed lung that needed to be treated at the
paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
"She needs transporting to and from Bristol to receive
specialist treatment for her condition that isn't available in her
local hospital.
"The WATCh team provide a smooth and safe transfer, ensuring her
complex needs are met.
"The bear is a lovely gesture and something for Emilia to keep
and remember the people who helped her so frequently when she
needed them.
"We'd like to thank WATCh, the PICU team and the ward 30B High
Dependency Unit team, for all their hard work and dedication to
getting Emilia well and on her journey home."
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