A NEW charitable fund has been launched to support babies, children and families from across Ayrshire and Arran who are cared for in hospital.

Established by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Crosshouse Children’s Fund will raise money for the children’s wards, maternity unit and neonatal unit located at University Hospital Crosshouse.

The fund aims to enhance hospital experiences for patients by providing enhanced equipment and support services that can help to alleviate the worries of a hospital visit.

Shona Cardle, chief executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are delighted to be able to extend our work to support children and their families from across Ayrshire.

"Staff at NHS Ayrshir e and Ar ran already provide outstanding care to young patients and their families, but we hope that through the creation of Crosshouse Children’s Fund, we’ll be able to help teams at Crosshouse achieve even more in key areas theywish to develop.

“All of the money raised in support of Crosshouse Children’s Fund will be invested in Ayrshire, and we hope that local people, businesses and communities will get behind this important local cause.”

“By funding additional services and projects we hope to help alleviate some of the worries a hospital visit can bring.

Together, we can be there for children and their families when they need us most.”

John Burns, Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire & Arran said : “NH S Ayrshire & Ar ran is delighted to work with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to establish Crosshouse Children’s Fund. The people of Ayrshire and Arran have always been so generous when it comes to fundraising for our children’s wards and maternity services.

“Having this dedicated fund will make it even easier for people to donate and they can be assured that every penny raised will be used locally to give children and babies in hospital the best possible experience.”

Katie Fisher from Irvine gave birth to her son Kyle, now nine years of age, at University Hospital Crosshouse.

Kyle, who has autism and cerebral palsy, is nonmobile and tube-fed.

He also recently had a portacath for ease of IV access.

Katie, a supporter of the new Crosshouse Children’s Fund, said: “We have come to rely on the staff at the children’s ward at University Hospital Crosshouse during Kyle’s regular stays – some of them following admissions when he has been very poorly.

“The staff are always sympathetic and supportive, showing care and compassion that is second to none. They do everything they can to make each and every admission as easy as possible for Kyle. Crosshouse Children’s Fund will make such a difference in terms of funding improvements for additional resources to support families like ours – and those using the hospital in the future.”

To show your support for Crosshouse Children’s Fund, please call 01292 435 197 or visit www.

CrosshouseChildrensFund.org.