New meeting room for those needing care off-island

Jersey families whose children need medical care in the UK have a new meeting room.

Family First, which helps local residents who need to leave Jersey get medical care for their children, said it needed a child-friendly base to do its work more effectively.

Jersey Hospice has provided offices in its King Centre, which is more accessible and has a children’s play area.

Family First said more than 200 families need treatment off-island each year and they need more than just plane tickets.

Aidan McAvinue, president of Family First, said families needed financial support, child care and logistical support.

The charity said its aim was to keep their stress to a minimum, adding: “When your child is sick, the whole world stops.”

He said of the new space: “It’s a safe, professional environment with the support of a hospice.”

Mike Palfreman, chief executive of Jersey Hospice, said it was vital for charities to work together amid rising costs of living.

Kaitlin Rudd is one woman who has benefited from Family First’s help.

She suffered an unexpected placental abruption, requiring multiple blood transfusions, when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

Her son Arlo was flown to Southampton for further treatment and Ms Rudd was flown two days later.

She said she was relieved the charity was there for her.

“It’s like a relief to know there’s someone you can talk to,” she said.

“You still have family and friends, but it’s different having someone else looking after families like this all the time so they understand.”

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