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The SCT is planning an extension to create 7 new family rooms, an additional communal living area and additional laundry and bathroom facilities at its ‘Home from Home’ in Newcastle, Crawford House. The extension will help us support up to 350 more families every year. The cost is estimated at £470,000.
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Situation
Crawford House exists to provide totally free accommodation to families with seriously ill children being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. This allows families to remain close to their child, giving peace of mind to the family and enabling the child to recover quicker. The SCT has helped more than 3,000 families since the house opened just over 10 years ago. It has operated at an average 90% occupancy rate over the last two years, and last year had one hundred nights with 100% occupancy. The Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust is planning to create a new integrated children's hospital at their Royal Victoria Infirmary site. This will enable a much greater focus on services for children and their families in Newcastle. It will also mean a significant increase in the number of children being treated at the site which will greatly increase demand for the family bedrooms and facilities at Crawford House. The creation of seven additional bedrooms, living space, laundry and bathroom facilities will ensure that the increased demand for our facilities can be met. The current ratio of our bedrooms to paediatric beds is 9:1. The extension to Crawford House will maintain this at a similar level; 10:!. Other charities operating in/around the hospital are unable to provide additional accommodation; without The SCT, many more families will be forced to travel long distances to remain at their child’s bedside, increasing emotional, physical and financial pressures.