Young patients, doctors, nurses and other staff on the children’s ward at Watford General Hospital demonstrated how ‘Play is good for your health’ during National Play in Hospital Week recently.
From October 6 to October 12, children on the ward took part in a number of special activities organised by the hospital play team, aimed at helping them to cope with pain and fear while they are in hospital. The play team also helped to alleviate boredom and support children to learn. Patients on Starfish ward and Safari Day Unit in the children’s department had the opportunity to do sponge painting, balloon modelling and much more. They also helped to create a ‘Helping Hands’ tree, where children and visitors have created the leaves on the branches with their handprints. There was a themed Disney ‘Frozen’ day and a unique show from Auntie Julie, an entertainer from POD Children’s Charity, a national organisation which specialises in entertaining children in hospital. The children’s ward were also given a generous donation of LEGO from Fairy Bricks, a charity which uses LEGO to brighten the lives of sick children. Samantha Jones, Chief Executive showed her support, along with other executive director colleagues, by adding her palm print to the ‘Helping Hands’ tree. She said: “National Play in Hospital Week is very important for two key reasons – it reminds us of the importance of supporting children and young people who are patients in hospital and it celebrates the vital role of hospital play staff. “I was delighted to be able to support National Play in Hospital Week and to help shape the wonderfully colourful ‘Helping Hands’ tree.” National Play in Hospital Week is organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) and supported by Starlight, a charity that provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK and grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children. This year’s celebration had the theme of ‘Play is good for your health’. Helen Peck is one of the play specialists. She said: “Play is a crucial part of the care offered to children and young people in hospital. National Play in Hospital Week is an excellent opportunity for raise awareness of the importance of play to children and young people in hospital.” Helen continued: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who supported us, including Fairy Bricks for their LEGO donation. Playing helps the children to focus on happy positive activities which help to reduce their worries and anxieties about their illness or treatment.”
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