Croydon’s Paediatric Oncology Unit, Three Years On
Three years after Croydon’s paediatric oncology team moved to the redeveloped facilities funded by The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust’s Lily Pad Appeal which raised £750,000, oncology nurses on the unit reflect on the legacy of that investment for children with cancer and their families.
Speaking to Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) Orla Simpson and Laura Tyler, it is clear how much has changed. Most obviously, the service is now much better equipped clinically, with two dedicated en-suite in-patient rooms, two day-treatment spaces and safer access to additional cubicle space within the wider paediatric unit when extra capacity is needed. That means children who become unwell can be admitted and kept in Croydon more reliably, in spaces better suited to oncology care and infection control, making care safer for vulnerable patients and reducing disruption for families.
This transformation, made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, has had a lasting impact on care for children and families. Alongside brighter, calmer spaces, dedicated sensory and play areas now support children emotionally as well as physically, enabling play specialists and therapists to play a more active role in care. An outdoor area also gives families valuable breathing space while remaining close to the unit.
Three years on, the legacy of the Lily Pad Appeal continues to shape the future of paediatric oncology in Croydon. A dedicated feature in this week’s News Shopper HERE explores the full impact on families and the medical team in more detail.