New room to tackle children's hospital anxiety

Children have been given a quiet, safe space at a hospital to help them with any stress and anxiety around operations or long stays on wards.

The new sensory room is at the Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick in their paediatric department.

The facility was funded by Birmingham's Dawoodi Bohra community through its Project Rise programme.

Johnny Shah, director of charity at Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, said the room would make a big difference.

"We have a high proportion of children with sensory and neurodivergent needs, which makes a sensory room like this incredibly important," he said.

"It provides a calm space away from the busy hospital environment, helping create an atmosphere that feels more like a family setting rather than a purely medical one."

Dawoodi Bohra coordinator Dr Yusuf Kaderbhai added "our faith teaches us that caring for the sick is not an act of charity, it is a responsibility".

The room is equipped for therapeutic play, relaxation and sensory engagement.

For young patients who cannot leave their beds, including those in neonatal units or with significant mobility needs, mobile sensory units have been provided for bedsides.

Hospital staff said training would be provided to make sure the room was used effectively, with feedback from families.

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