Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital

Synchronicity Care Limited (SCL) is delighted to announce that Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham have been awarded Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital status, recognising the work undertaken to achieve Sophie’s Wishes and improve the experience of children and their families while in hospital.

This is a particularly proud achievement, with SCL and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust becoming the first organisation in the Northern region and only the third in the country to achieve this recognition.

Sophie’s Legacy was established in memory of Sophie Fairall and campaigns for improvements to the experience of children and their families during hospital stays. Sophie identified several wishes for change, including improvements to the quality and choice of food available to children in hospital, support for parents staying alongside their children, and access to play and activities.

The award recognises the improvements made across Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH) and University Hospital of North Durham (UHND), both part of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). A key element of the achievement has been the work undertaken by SCL’s Catering Team to improve children’s hospital food, ensuring that meals are appetising, appealing and better tailored to the needs and preferences of children and young people.

It also recognises the importance of supporting the whole family during a hospital stay. Food is made available for parents and carers who are staying overnight with their child, helping to remove an additional worry at what can already be a difficult and stressful time for families.

Importantly, achieving Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital status extends beyond catering. The award also recognises the Trust’s commitment to providing hospital play specialists seven days a week, ensuring children have access to play, distraction, and age-appropriate activities throughout their stay.

This achievement has been made possible through the commitment and collaboration of teams across SCL and CDDFT, all working towards a shared goal of making the hospital experience as positive and supportive as possible for children and their families.

We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition and, more importantly, to be helping turn Sophie’s Wishes into meaningful and lasting improvements for children and families across County Durham and Darlington.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this important recognition.

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