In 1992 the Pied Piper was founded by Peter Hickman who recognised the need for purpose built hospital facilities for children's care at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. At present, the two children's wards and outpatient's departments are in Victorian buildings a third of a mile away from the main hospital. Initial pledge In 1999 the Pied Piper Appeal pledged £1.2 million and enabled the new Children's Centre to be built.  It will be the newest children's hospital for miles around and will be the most modern for years to come. | | Appeal chairman Peter Hickman |
Today that vision has nearly been reached and the new centre is due for completion in September 2004. Appeal chairman Peter Hickman said: "It will be the newest children's hospital for miles around and will be the most modern for years to come. "This is the best thing that has happened to Gloucestershire!" State of the art The specially designed building will have state of the art equipment, bright spacious wards, separate facilities for young children and teenagers and a relative's room. The opening of the centre will also mean that fewer children will have to travel to Birmingham and Bristol for treatment. More funds needed  | | Art on walls and floors will enhance visitors experience |
Now appeal organisers are asking Gloucestershire residents to dig deeper in their pockets to raise another much needed £800,000 to help provide essential equipment and facilities that the NHS would like but cannot afford. Peter Hickman explained: "So much has been achieved already. I know we can rely on the continuing generosity of the people of Gloucestershire. "We are now firmly focused on raising the additional £800,000 we need to provide vital equipment. These are things which the hospital wants but simply can't afford." Money well spent! The latest stage of The Pied Piper Appeal aims to raise funds to provide the necessary vital equipment, additional building and other enhancements. These extra enhancements will include educational toys, play areas and arts enhancements.  | | Artist's impression of the bubble tower |
Jane Willis, Arts Coordinator for the Gloucestershire Hospital's NHS Trust, explained what arts enhancements are. She said: "Arts enhancement is the term used to describe the use of arts to improve a patients environment. At GRH our arts enhancements project is called Leading the way and includes art commissions and interactive arts projects." Other equipment will include: - a proposed mobile IT unit
- audio and sensory therapy equipment and arts enhancers
- Couches in the form of animals to cause a talking point
- child friendly blood pressure monitors and stethoscopes that look more like soft toys than medical equipment
- Eye and ear equipment disguised as toys to put a child more at ease
- Providing family friendly areas in hospital to allow parents and carers to stay closer to their children.
- Funding creative projects and entertainment programmes for children in hospital to keep boredom at bay.
 | Examples of child friendly equipment |
Jane continued, "Hospitals can be frightening places for children. "These enhancements will create a child friendly environment which will reassure, welcome and stimulate families. They will divert children's attention from pain and treatment and will help alleviate boredom."
How you can help the Pied Piper Appeal Make a donation - Organise an event for your company, school, club or community organisation.
- Volunteer your time - become an appeal co-ordinator or give talks to help publicise the charity’s activities.
If you cannot be actively involved become a Friend of the Pied Piper Appeal To find out more about all the above call 01452 394119 or visit the website: www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk Article by Nat Hall 
If you would like to comment on this story get in touch at gloucestershire@bbc.co.ukor have your say on our messageboard | 
Over the last decade the Pied Piper Appeal have been raising funds to build a special children's centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. But they need to raise another £800,000 to finish the job.
