It was playtime for patients and staff on the Children’s Ward at the Royal United Hospital in Bath last week, with music, dressing up and games.
It was all for a genuine medical reason – play has been shown to be a big help to youngsters while they’re in hospital and an important aid to speeding up their recovery.
The RUH was taking part in National Play in Hospital Week, which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play and activity in the treatment of sick children and young people.
RUH Play Specialist Lyn Gardiner said: ““Play helps children cope with pain and fear while they are in hospital. National Play in Hospital Week is an opportunity for us to show the positive impact play and distraction has on a child’s hospital experience.”
This year’s theme was ‘Play Matters’ and many activities were organised on the Children’s Ward, including staff dessed up as a favourite book character, messy play in the playroom, games with family entertainer Nutty Noah, animal balloon-making, a sing-along with resident musician Frankie and a story time visit from children’s author Jeremy Strong, familiar to many children for his series featuring a young character called ‘Nicholas’ and his family.
Lyn said: “The fun doesn’t stop when National Play in Hospital Week is over, as every week we organise a variety of play activities to welcome children and prepare them to cope with surgery or other procedures.”
