A calmer space in Leeds Outpatients, because of you

For children and young people living with congenital heart disease – and for their parents and carers – outpatient appointments can bring anxiety, sensory overload and lots of waiting in an unfamiliar environment.

Thanks to funding from Morrisons Foundation, and because of the incredible generosity of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) supporters, a Rhino Sensory Voyager Hurricane Trolley is now supporting young patients and families at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

CHSF supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary, it’s patients with congenital heart disease, and their families across Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Derbyshire. We know from families that hospital experiences don’t just affect the moment you’re there – they can shape how a child feels about treatment well into adulthood.

The Rhino Sensory Voyager Hurricane Trolley has been introduced to help change that experience for children and young people attending cardiac outpatient appointments. This mobile, multi-sensory trolley brings together colourful interactive projections, fibre optic lights and calming sounds, helping to create an environment that can be tailored to each child’s needs.

Whether it’s used to create a calm, relaxing space, a playful distraction, or a quiet “safe zone”, the trolley gives families more choice and control during what can often be a stressful visit.

A big impact for children with additional needs
Outpatient clinics can be overwhelming, particularly for children with additional needs.. The Leeds Congenital Heart Unit cares for a high proportion of children with learning disabilities – for example, congenital heart conditions are present in around 40–60% of babies born with Down’s syndrome.

Until now, there have been limited sensory resources available in the outpatient setting. The Rhino Sensory Voyager Hurricane Trolley helps to fill that gap, supporting children who may struggle with noise, bright lights or long waiting times – while also easing anxiety for parents and carers.

We previously funded a sensory trolley on the children’s heart ward (L51). One parent said:

“We were delighted to be asked if Hollie wanted the sensory trolley in her room. Hollie absolutely loves the coloured lights. It gives her a great distraction from other things around her.”

A member of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Learning Disability and Autism Team also highlighted the wider benefits:

“They provide people with calming sensory stimulus which leads to a more relaxed environment, reducing anxiety and boredom and promoting an environment where health care becomes more accessible.”

The sensory trolley will be used every day in the cardiac outpatient waiting area and can be moved into individual clinic rooms when needed. Around 4,700 young patients attend cardiac outpatient appointments each year, and many thousands of family members pass through the department alongside them.

We expect the Rhino Sensory Voyager Hurricane Trolley to benefit countless children and families – promoting enjoyment, relieving anxiety and helping children build more positive associations with hospital care.

Thank you Morrisons for making this possible!
We are incredibly grateful to Morrisons Foundation for funding this vital project and recognising the importance of emotional wellbeing alongside medical care.

Your support helps us respond to what families and clinical teams tell us they need most – creating kinder, calmer experiences for children in our region living with lifelong heart conditions.

#BecauseOfYou