A brand new 'charity hub' has been unveiled at John Radcliffe Hospital, a project spearheaded by Oxford Hospitals Charity.
The charity, which works towards making a difference across Oxfordshire hospitals, is celebrating the launch of a fully operational space to talk to more supporters, staff, and patients.
The facility is also there to help those who are keen to donate or consider fundraising for the charity.
The new hub is located at the main entrance of Oxford’s Children’s Hospital, providing a warm greeting for patients and their families upon arrival.
Nine-year-old Kaiden Edwards, a patient of Kamran’s Ward, and professor Meghana Pandit, CEO of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, cut through the ceremonial pink ribbon.
The charity team and hospital staff were present to witness the historic event.
The man heading the initiative from the charity side, Jamie French, said: "We are so excited to launch our new charity hub and know that this will really help spread the word about the vital work that Oxford Hospitals Charity does in our hospitals.
"We’re now here every weekday, with a big smile, to tell people more about the charity and make it quick and easy for them to donate, find out about our fundraising events or simply learn more about the work this special charity does to help our hospitals."
Mr French added: "We’ll be handing out activities for young patients to keep them entertained and distracted while waiting for appointments and are ready to meet hospital staff who want to have a chat about how the charity can help their areas."
Professor Meghana Pandit, CEO of the NHS Trust, said: "Our hospital charity does so much good across our organisation, and I am delighted to see this new charity hub open.
"It will help spread the word even further about the difference Oxford Hospitals Charity makes for patients and staff."
Douglas Graham, CEO of the charity added: "We have wanted to have our own space in the heart of our hospitals for a long time, so this really is a special moment.
"We know that having a team here on hand will make a real difference in so many ways and it’s lovely to see what a bright and friendly welcome the hub now offers."
The charity hub will be open 9am – 3pm on weekdays.
Everyone, including hospital staff, patients, and visitors, are invited to visit.
Its first week will feature a host of activities such as origami, crafting, and competitions for patients, visitors, and staff, along with music performances by the music on wards team.
You can find additional information at www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/hub.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here