New buddy beds will allow parents to stay by their children's side in hospital

Pictured above (L-R): Jade Edwards, Play Assistant and Sally James, Play Assistant.

Thanks to the generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to fund five buddy beds worth over £6,000 which will allow parents to stay with their children in Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Buddy beds are a manual recliner chair which provide a place for parents to sleep and rest, enabling them to care for children and young people (CYP) from their bedside.

Karen Thomas, Head of Therapeutic Play, “We are very grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase the new buddy beds.

“We always encourage one parent to stay with their CYP, to be part of their care and provide important reassurance to their CYP as they undergo treatment.

“It’s vital for the health and wellbeing of parents that they have a good sleep and rest while looking after their sick CYP. Stress can be reduced by having access to the buddy beds which enable parents and guardians to stay with their CYP.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Your donations are making a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff.