Brighton charity helps kit out specialist new unit at children’s hospital

A specialist gastrointestinal and nutrition unit was opened at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton this afternoon (Tuesday 4 September).

The unit has been equipped with help from Rockinghorse, the Brighton children’s charity.

Assad Butt, consultant paediatrician and gastroenterologist, thanked new Rockinghorse chief executive Ryan Heal.

Dr Butt said that it would now be easier for doctors and nurses at the Royal Alex to carry out research and clinical audits.

And patient information would be sent to family doctors more quickly – electronically rather than on paper.

Dr Butt said that the computerised unit would be “a game changer”.

Mr Heal said: “This is my second day in the job and I’m honoured that this is my first official duty.

Rockinghorse chief executive Ryan Heal, Jamie Last and Dr Assad Butt

“Rockinghorse has raised £25,500 towards this fantastic new unit which will play a significant role in advancing the treatment of a range of gastrointestinal conditions.

“It follows six years of work by Dr Assad Butt and his team.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated to this project, including the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust who kindly donated £15,000.

“I would also like to thank Jamie Last and his mum Tina Bourner who very kindly shared their story to help us raise funds for the project.

“As a parent myself, with a son who has benefited from extensive treatment here at the Royal Alex, I am eternally grateful that this fantastic hospital exists here in Brighton.

“I look forward to helping it grow to become a centre of excellence for all our children.”

The pioneering Gastro-Intestinal and Nutrition Clinical Investigation Unit will investigate and treat a range of GI conditions, particularly those with nutritional consequences.

These include extreme cases such as short gut syndrome when artificial intravenous feeding becomes essential for survival.

It is expected to help hundreds of children across Sussex as well as producing research which will have national and international significance.

The results of clinical investigations at the unit are expected to be added to a bespoke database.

And essential information about children’s treatment, nutritional care and test results will all be in one place.

They are expected to be accessible to consultants at the Royal Alex and in other relevant clinics across Sussex.

For more information about Rockinghorse, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk or call 01273 330044.