Juniper’s story

23-month-old Juniper and her mum, Lottie, from Hinckley, have spent much of the last few months in and out of our Emergency Department (ED).

Juniper is a happy, active toddler who loves baby books and sing-a-longs. She was also born with a condition that affects her gut and digestion, leaving her susceptible to infections and needing close monitoring by medical professionals.

She was previously under the care of her local hospital, but since having a central line fitted as part of her treatment – a catheter inserted into a large vein to deliver medications and fluids – she’s been looked after by our Children’s Hospital.

If Juniper gets a high temperature, or feels poorly, she has to go straight to our ED, as it could mean she has an infection. Juniper’s mum, Lottie, has to drive for over an hour to reach our hospital, often in the middle of night, while her daughter is feeling distressed and unwell.

Lottie said: “The care from the doctors and the nurses has been really great, but it’s not a very welcoming environment when you arrive, especially at nighttime. It can feel soulless and dark, which isn’t good for either me or Juniper.” Because of Juniper’s condition and susceptibility to infection, our ED staff try to see her as soon as possible, but she’s still affected by the lack of space and clinical feel of our current ED.

Plans for transforming the department include a much more child friendly space, with relaxing and welcoming artwork for the walls and ceilings, digital play screens in the waiting room, as well as a sensory room.

Her mum feels that the improved environment, particularly the child-friendly features and the new sensory room, would make a world of difference to Juniper’s experience, and she’s really excited to see the transformation.

“When we arrive in ED, Juniper can get anxious and upset straight away from just seeing the nurses, because she associates them with having blood taken,” Lottie explained. “Having a more kid-friendly, calmer environment with nice distractions and things to look at and interact with would make a huge difference to her. She’d be so much more at ease. We can’t wait to see how the department is transformed.”