Eight Year 6 House Captains from The Paragon Junior School were invited to The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath to meet Big Ted and visit the brand new Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Unit.
The visit was a ‘thank you’ from the hospital’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, for the funds raised by children and staff through initiatives such as a pyjama day and a Christmas Market.
Some of the money raised will be used to buy dental hygiene packs containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, sand timers and a hygiene chart. One of the senior nurses explained to the children that the packs are invaluable as many visitors to the department do not own a toothbrush, and so in order for their treatment to be successful, they need to be brushing every day.
Specialty Doctor, Alice Cameron, said, “It was a pleasure to meet the children from Paragon School and show them around our new department. They enjoyed seeing the impact of their fundraising for us and we would like to thank them again for all their help.”
The children were given a tour of the various new treatment rooms available on the unit, including the X-ray department and operating theatre, as well as the latest technology and equipment which has been installed at the hospital. This also included the ways in which the department is trying to be eco-conscious when it comes to its use and disposal of waste and energy.
One of the pupils said, “Everything was amazing in the Orthodontics Department – the staff were all really kind and my favourite part was looking at some of the different cases they have had!”
Laura Cherry, Senior Community Fundraiser at The Forever Friends Appeal, added, “We are incredibly grateful that The Paragon School have chosen to support us as their charity of the year. It was wonderful to welcome the children into the hospital to show them where all their fundraising efforts will be put towards. We highly value the support we receive from our local community. The RUH serves a catchment population of over 620,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and surrounding towns and the money raised will help many people who use this service.”