TEENS in hospital may no longer have to share a room with seven-year-olds, receive their meals on a Thomas the Tank food trolley or use a playroom full of pre-school toys.

If the Chester Childbirth Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital can raise around £30,000 to hit its £135,000 target, the children's unit will be extended to include an adolescents unit.

Appeal director Pat Daniels, said around £102,000 has already been raised towards the unit, which will offer a special, more home-like space for patients aged 12 to 18 years.

She explained: 'It will have separate rooms for boys and girls, each with three beds, plus a communal sitting room that won't be available for the rest of the youngsters - it will be their own space. A landscaped garden will be designed with that age group in mind.'

Former midwife Mrs Daniels, of Hoole, was awarded an MBE for her work raising £450,000 for the hospital through the appeal.

She said that, after speaking to teenage patients and their parents, she realised there was a gap in the hospital's facilities.

'At present adolescents are cared for either on the children's ward, surrounded by toys or on adult wards.

'We need to value our teenagers; they are, when all is said and done, our hope for the future.'

With the £135,000 target in sight, Mrs Daniels urged schools and groups catering for teenagers to help raise money for the unit.

She explained: 'To get some types of funding I have to send testimonials from people who have experienced the present situation. I would be very grateful if teenagers who have spent time at the Countess of Chester Hospital or their parents could write to me with their comments on what their stay was like.' rebecca.taylor@cheshirenews.co.uk