A new charitable fund has been launched to support babies, children and families from across Ayrshire who are cared for in hospital.

Established by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Crosshouse Children’s Fund will raise money for the children’s wards, maternity unit and neonatal unit located at University Hospital Crosshouse.

The fund aims to enhance hospital experiences for patients by providing equipment and support services that can help to alleviate the worries of a hospital visit.

Each year at University Hospital Crosshouse, almost 8,000 babies, children and young people are treated within the Paediatrics Department; more than 4,000 within Maternity Services; 500 at the Neonatal Unit and almost 13,000 are seen in the Emergency Department.

Communities including Largs and Millport are being asked to fundraise and donate to help.

In establishing the fund, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is expanding its reach to support children in hospital across the west of Scotland.

To date the charity has already invested more than £30million in to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for children and related paediatric services.

Shona Cardle, chief executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are delighted to be able to extend our work to support children and their families from across Ayrshire. Staff already provide outstanding care to young patients and their families, but we hope that through the creation of Crosshouse Children’s Fund, we’ll be able to help teams at Crosshouse achieve even more.

“All of the money raised will be invested in Ayrshire, and we hope that local people, businesses and communities will get behind this important local cause”.

“By funding additional services and projects – from funding specialist medical equipment to play resources – we hope to help alleviate some of the worries a hospital visit can bring. "

"Together, we can be there for children and their families when they need us most.”

John Burns, Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran is delighted to work with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to establish Crosshouse Children’s Fund.

The people of Ayrshire and Arran have always been so generous when it comes to fundraising for our children’s wards and maternity services.

“Having this dedicated fund will make it even easier for people to donate and they can be assured that every penny raised will be used locally to give children and babies in hospital the best possible experience.”

To show your support for Crosshouse Children’s Fund, please call 01292 435 197 or visit www.CrosshouseChildrensFund.org.