BBC News - Royal opening for Wessex Heartbeat cardiac unit (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-31009703)
QuoteA new cardiac unit for young adults has been officially opened at Southampton General Hospital.
The Wessex Heartbeat charity raised more than £500,000 to create the specially designed facility for young people with lifelong heart conditions.
The charity said it would offer "unrivalled continuity of care in one of the country's best-performing cardiac centres".
Its patron, HRH Sophie Countess of Wessex, performed the opening ceremony.
The unit has 17 beds, a kitchen area, social room, quiet room, an open nurse reception area and clinical rooms.
QuoteThe Countess of Wessex Opens Cardiac Unit Whose Funds Were Raised by Wessex Heartbeat
The Countess of Wessex opened a new cardiac arrest unit on Wednesday, specially designed for younger patients. The money for the unit was raised by Wessex Heartbeat, of which Sophie is the Royal Patron.
Sophie met with patients and family members at the new ward in Southampton, where she also unveiled a plaque.
The unit cost £500,000 and will help young patients who suffer from lifelong heart conditions, providing better surroundings for patients and families.
At the Southampton unit, Wessex Heartbeat helps support 20,000 patients annually, including 1,000 babies and children born with congenital heart defects. This new ward will focus on 16 to 30-year-olds who are receiving treatment. It features a kitchen, a communal area, and a quiet room.
More: The Countess of Wessex opens new cardiac unit - hellomagazine.com (http://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015012823116/sophie-countess-of-wessex-visits-cardiac-unit/)
Cindy
Hope that it will be able to provide care for these young people.
QuoteSophie of Wessex drops in on young adult heart patients
Patients and staff at the new young adult cardiac unit at Southampton General Hospital were thrilled to get a visit from Sophie, the Countess of Wessex on Wednesday.
Thanks to the Wessex Heartbeat, of which Sophie of Wessex is the patron, £500,000 was raised for the creation of the new ward, which is designed to be a home away from home for the 16 to 30-year-olds while they are being treated at the hospital. Therefore the new ward has been equipped with a communal area, a quiet room and a small kitchen.
During the visit Sophie of Wessex unveiled a plaque and talked to some of the patients including cardiac patient Ashton Hicks who has made a CD in support of fellow heart patients.
Read more:
Sophie of Wessex drops in on young adult heart patients | Royalista (http://royalista.com/80482/sophie-of-wessex-drops-in-on-young-adult-heart-patients/)