Ikea offers children's hospital a helping hand (From Warrington Guardian)

Ikea offers children's hospital a helping hand

KIND-HEARTED staff from Warrington's Ikea have completely refurbished part of the main restaurant at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Not only did the store donate furnishings for the 'Oasis' to make the area more comfortable for patients and their families, staff also got their hands dirty decorating the area themselves.

Ian McGarty, of Ikea, said: "It is always a pleasure for Ikea to contribute towards the local community in any way we can. We at Ikea recognise that children are the most important people in the world, so this project was extra special for us and we hope that we have improved the lives of the children at the hospital - even if just a little."

Paul MacDonald, catering manager for Alder Hey, said: "The NHS Plan, in 2000, set out the targets of the Better Hospital Food Initiative and since then we have worked hard to ensure that the trust meets those targets. Creating the 'Oasis' has been the most satisfying achievement yet under the initiative and really demonstrates the contribution catering makes to the children's stay and recovery in hospital. Children and young people at Alder Hey now have a purpose designed area to meet, socialise and dine with their families and friends thanks to our friends at Ikea, to whom we are very grateful."