Newark’s old hospital, head office of Derry Building Services, to be illuminated red for Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day
Newark’s old hospital will be illuminated red this weekend, raising awareness of a childhood heart disease.
The building on London Road, which is the head office of Derry Building Services, will be illuminated red on January 26 for International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day.
The day is being led in the UK by Kawasaki disease foundation Societi, which is based in Winthorpe.
Rachael McCormack, founder of Societi said: “We are thrilled that the old hospital will be shining a light on Kawasaki Disease and we are extremely grateful to Derry Building Services for their amazing support.
“Despite Kawasaki Disease being increasingly common, low public awareness means it’s often initially misdiagnosed, putting children’s hearts at risk. We need families to know Kawasaki Disease so we can reduce the number of children suffering the devastating effect of serious, lifelong heart damage.
“We are so grateful to all the landmarks across the UK that are lighting up for International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day. They really are helping us to protect children’s hearts, and that is just amazing.”
Kawasaki Disease is the number one cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK and can be fatal in up to 3% of cases if not treated.
Almost a quarter of all children affected will go on to have lifelong heart damage, despite treatment — but the risk can be reduced with quick diagnosis and treatment.
The condition is characterised by a fever with a temperature of 38°C or over, which lasts for five days or more, and irritability in the child.
Other symptoms can include a red rash; red swollen hands and feet; red, dry, sore mouth; cracked lips; ‘strawberry tongue’; red bloodshot eyes; and a swollen gland in the neck.
Paediatric cardiologist Professor Robert Tulloh, chairman of Societi and an expert in Kawasaki Disease, said: “Early diagnosis and rapid treatment reduces the risk of children with Kawasaki Disease suffering from devastating heart damage. Awareness of the signs and symptoms in the UK will help significantly with this.
“The information that we are sharing about Kawasaki Disease aims to help parents and carers recognise when their poorly child might be suffering from Kawasaki Disease. When all parents and doctors alike are familiar with Kawasaki Disease, we will see a reduction in the rate of heart damage in children, as children will get the urgent treatment they need.”