THE Countess of Chester Hospital has reached its £750,000 target for a new outdoor balcony to provide its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with access to fresh air and outdoor space.

The overwhelming generosity and support from the Chester community means that the Blue Skies Balcony appeal will now be able to begin construction of the facility, which will give comfort and support to ICU patients and their families.

Launched in 2021, as the nation was emerging from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the appeal quickly gained momentum as people recognised the benefits of outdoor time for mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The new balcony will offer ICU patients, many of whom spend long periods in recovery, the opportunity to reconnect with the outside world.

The outdoor space will also serve as a vital component of patient therapy, aiding in recovery by promoting mental wellbeing.

A breaking ground ceremony took place this week, with the goal of completing the project by spring 2025.

Angie Lopez, Head of Fundraising at the Countess Charity, said:

“It is wonderful that the target has been met for such a wonderful cause. The people of Chester and the surrounding areas have once again pulled together to support an area of the hospital that nobody wants to find themselves in.

“It really is heartwarming that we have such a generous community, and we are so grateful that we are finally able to start constructing this fantastic new facility that will benefit so many patients and their families," she added.

Whilst monies raised by the charity has funded the construction, the project has also been supported by Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – one of the lead construction companies currently building the Trust’s new Women and Children’s Building – who are providing labour and materials at a significantly subsidised rate as part of its commitment to giving back to the local community.

The support from IHP on this build is helping to ensure that every pound of charitable funding is used wisely and provides the best value possible for the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.