Warwick Hospital is aiming to raise £350,000 to create a "state-of-the-art children's ward" to care for young people's mental health.

Prompted by the rising number of teens admitted with mental health problems during the pandemic, the hospital has launched the Young Minds Matter Appeal to raise the money needed.

Plans for the MacGregor Ward include a new playroom and activity area, an adolescent recreational space, a sensory room with specialist equipment to allow children to decompress away from the busy ward, and a bereavement suite/quiet room.

The investment will also create age-appropriate areas for all children spending time on the ward.

"Supporting the mental wellbeing of our young patients whilst in hospital is crucial in aiding recovery," said Victoria Harrison, MacGregor Ward manager.

"Providing distractions and an area to use away from the bed space is a key part of delivering high quality holistic care to the children and young people of South Warwickshire."

£40,000 has already been donated by South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust clinical services.

Chief executive, Jayne Blacklay, said: "As a social enterprise company, SWFT Clinical Services is very proud to support SWFT Charity's Young Minds Matter Appeal.

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"We believe it is important that we look after the mental health of young people in our society, and we are thrilled to announce a £40,000 donation to the appeal.

"We wish SWFT Charity every success with their campaign and look forward to seeing the completion of these new facilities that will support young patients during their time in hospital."

You can visit the Young Minds Matter Appeal campaign page here.