A new reading space helps children and parents escape into stories

Children, parents and staff on Ward D35 at Nottingham Children’s Hospital are enjoying an exciting new space thanks to funding from Nottingham Hospitals Charity.

A once disused area of the ward has been beautifully transformed into a welcoming library and relaxation zone, offering young patients and their families a much-needed escape from the busy ward environment.

The new space caters for children of all ages, and their parents too, with comfortable seating, colourful décor, sensory lighting and shelves filled with books for all tastes and ages. The Charity provided the furniture, sensory equipment, décor, book shelves and even helped secure donations of books to bring the area to life.

Cruz and Alanna — Alanna reading a story to long-term patient Cruz

Deputy Sister Alanna Newton, who led the project on Ward D35, worked closely with the Charity to bring the vision to reality. She said:

“It was a disused space that we’ve been able to transform, and we were lucky to receive a generous donation to the ward from a grateful parent. We have all new seating which looks lovely, and we chose a woodland theme, nothing too young but nothing not child-friendly, so we have a balance between both.

“We’ve added sensory lights, and books for adults and teens too, so it’s a place for everyone to enjoy.

"We’ve found this has become an important area for parents, especially if their child is having a long surgery. It gives them somewhere to sit, have a cup of tea and read a book to take their mind off things. It’s a really valuable space, and it was so easy to work with the Charity - we’re all so pleased with it.”

The new library area has quickly become a favourite spot for families on the ward, offering calm, comfort and a touch of imagination during what can often be long hospital stays.

“We wanted to create a space where our young patients could escape into stories,” said Alanna. “Parents haven’t been left out either, with books for them too.”

This latest project is another example of how Nottingham Hospitals Charity funding helps to make a real difference to patients and families across Nottingham’s hospitals - creating brighter, more comfortable and inspiring environments for everyone.