Transforming the Skylark Centre

The Skylark Centre, a multi-disciplinary child development centre in Inverclyde, has been transformed thanks to a £36,000 upgrade funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Located in Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock, the waiting room and ND (neurodevelopmental) assessment area have a colourful new look to make the environments more friendly and welcoming for young patients.  

Included in the waiting room upgrade is a TV for older children and teens – Skylark serves young adults up to 18 years old – as well as colourful murals, stunning photographs of the Inverclyde area, and brand-new furniture designed to reverse the ‘clinical’ feeling the space previously carried.  

Around 800 children per year will benefit from the transformation, with departments using the Skylark Centre ranging from acute clinics, such as rheumatology and diabetes, to community clinics, like physiotherapy and dietitians.  

An additional £9,500 has been provided by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to procure sensory equipment for the centre, for children with additional sensory needs in the waiting room or assessment area.  

The new facility was unveiled to patients and their families on Tuesday, April 2.  

Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The enhancements at the Skylark Centre, made possible thanks to our fantastic donors and fundraisers, have produced an environment that is empathic, calming, and welcoming.  

“This transformation reaffirms Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s commitment to providing first-class facilities for children across the west of Scotland.”  

Gemma McGregor, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, added: “The final design is beyond all our expectations. It is so bright and has numerous areas to appeal to different ages. 

“The modern and colourful furniture will appeal to parents and children alike.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. The funding provided has vastly improved these areas for children attending the Skylark Centre.”