Refurbishment transforms Ballymoney Child Development Centre into more inclusive space for families

Pictured at the Child Development Centre at the Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ballymoney are back row, left – right, Steven Johnston, Stevie Lennon, Mark Morrow, Joe Gillan from the Robinson Memorial Trust Board, Ronnie Blair, Bamber McKay. Front row, left to right, Paddy Graffin, Kori Gault, James Archer and David Robinson, President of the Robinson Memorial Trust Board.

Children and families attending Ballymoney’s Child Development Centre are now being welcomed into a significantly improved and more inclusive environment following the completion of a major refurbishment project at the Robinson Memorial Hospital.

The upgraded facility, which supports children with chronic health conditions, disabilities and additional needs, has been redesigned to create a calmer, more accessible and family-friendly space — with the aim of making visits less stressful for both children and parents.

At the heart of the improvements is a newly installed disabled wash facility, purpose-built to provide safe and dignified access for children, young people, parents and carers. The space includes an adjustable mobile changing table and a ceiling hoist, ensuring accessible personal care for all ages, including adults.

The wider refurbishment has also focused on creating a warm and reassuring atmosphere throughout the building. Soft neutral tones, calming greens and nature-inspired décor now shape the space, helping to create a tranquil setting for families often navigating difficult and emotional circumstances.

Designed around the needs of families

Kori Gault, the Northern Trust’s Business Support Manager for Child Health Development and Emotional Wellbeing, said the centre plays a crucial role for families at some of their most vulnerable moments.

“The Child Development Centre plays a vital role in the lives of the children, young people and families who rely on its services, often at times when they may be feeling uncertain, overwhelmed or anxious.

“It is essential that the Centre provides a warm, inclusive and modern environment that helps put people at ease from the moment they arrive. By investing in well-designed, well-resourced and accessible facilities, we want every child and parent to feel supported, respected and reassured throughout their visit.”

The improvements also extend clinical care spaces, with additional room created for both administrative and therapeutic support services.

For paediatric physiotherapy teams working across Ballymena and Ballymoney, one of the most significant additions is a ceiling tracked hoist in the assessment room.

Judith Hart, Team Lead for Paediatric Physiotherapy Ballymena/Ballymoney, said the change is already having a direct impact.

“The hoist has greatly improved safety, comfort and dignity for children and young people with mobility needs, while allowing us to deliver more effective and inclusive assessment and therapy.

“For some children, it now means they can easily access care within the Centre rather than having therapy carried out at home — something families have told us they really value.”

Service user feedback helped shape the project

A key part of the refurbishment was the direct involvement of families who use the service.

Parents, carers and service users shared their experiences and feedback, helping shape the final design and improvements delivered within the building.

Kori Gault added:

“These insights have been invaluable in highlighting what really matters to those in our care. By actively listening and responding to this feedback, we have created positive changes which we hope will greatly enhance the overall experience of those who come through our doors.

“We are very proud of this invaluable refurbishment and express our gratitude to the Northern Trust’s Estates Department for their support on this project, and in particular James Archer, project manager on the scheme.”

Vital support for children across the area

The Child Development Centre continues to play a vital role for families across the wider Ballymoney and Ballymena area.

Based at Robinson Memorial Hospital, the centre hosts monthly integrated multi-disciplinary clinics for pre-school children experiencing developmental delay or disabilities.

It also provides daily support services for school-age children with additional needs, including paediatrics, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and dietetics.

The building is also used for multi-disciplinary autism assessments carried out by the community paediatric medical service and the paediatric autism service.

For many local families, the refurbishment marks more than a cosmetic upgrade — it represents a more compassionate, dignified and accessible environment for children receiving specialist care.

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At a glance

• Refurbishment completed at Ballymoney’s Child Development Centre

• Centre is based at Robinson Memorial Hospital

• Supports children with chronic conditions, disabilities and additional needs

• New disabled wash facility includes changing table and ceiling hoist

• Assessment room upgraded with ceiling tracked hoist

• Design uses calming colours and nature-inspired décor

• Parents and carers helped shape the project through feedback

• Centre supports developmental, therapy and autism assessment services

• Improvements aim to enhance dignity, comfort and family experience