The children’s A&E department at Stepping Hill Hospital now has a state-of-the-art new scanner thanks to a generous donation from a local charity and business.

MedEquip4Kids wanted to support the hospital’s A&E in recognition and thanks for their response to the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing in May. Several patients, including a child, were treated at the hospital following the attack.

MedEquip4Kids received donations from building firm Vinci, who held a fundraising golf tournament to help buy a new ‘Accuvein’ scanner for the department. The scanner maps out a patient’s veins in a fluorescent light, making treatment easier and less uncomfortable for patients.

Dr Chris Cooper, associate medical director for child and family services at Stepping Hill Hospital said “Having the Accuvein scanner makes it easier to find veins on a patient, which makes inserting a needle easier and less uncomfortable. This is particularly important for children in an emergency situation where time is critical to give lifesaving intravenous treatment. I’d like to thank MedEquip4Kids and Vinci for their generous donation of this scanner which will help us to provide better and more sensitive care for our young patients in the future.”

Ghazala Baig, chief executive officer of MedEquip4Kids said “We were all so shocked  by the devastating terror attack on Manchester Arena in the heart of our city. Sadly, many children and young people were caught up in the event, with some subsequently admitted to hospital with life-changing injuries needing long-term treatment and care. For the last 30 years, MedEquip4Kids has worked closely with hospitals in Greater Manchester to provide equipment not available from NHS funds. We want to offer our hospitals some extra support at this time to make sure they have everything they need in the event of such incidents. We hope the new AccuVein device will help the team at Stepping Hill to continue delivering excellent care to their young patients.”