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Messy fun and a teddy bear’s hospital as we celebrated Play in Hospital Week.

Chantel and Subhan

A series of fun activities, from syringe painting to a teddy bear’s hospital, have kept young patients busy at our hospitals this week, to mark the national Play in Hospital Week (Monday 7 to Saturday 12 October).

On Tuesday (8 October), youngsters got the chance to try syringe painting, squirting colourful paint onto old sheets from syringes. One of the young artists, Jaylen Durojaiye (pictured second right below), ten, said: “I loved it!”

Syringe painting

It also gave four-year old Archie Fenson, who was in hospital due to his asthma something fun to focus on. Dad Peter said: “He’s feeling a bit better today. Activities like this are so important as they really do help.”

On Thursday (10 October), it was time for messy play and children could get to grips with gloop, slime and Play Doh. Cerys Gabriel-Smith (pictured below), 12, also in hospital due to asthma, loved playing with gloop. She said: “It’s fun to play, especially as it’s really boring in bed.”

Cerys

And today (Friday 11 October), a teddy bear’s hospital let a doctor of the future get to grips with making his furry friends better.

Sadaf Ansar, mum to four-year-old Subhan (pictured below with one of our play specialists, Chantel Taylor), in hospital following a fit, was delighted to see him playing. She said: “He loves to play doctor with his teddies at home. He has all types of toys but his doctor kit, which his grandad bought him, is his favourite.

“He plays with his sister, checking over her dolls. He loves checking the eyes and ears.”

Chantel Taylor, one of our play specialists, with Subhan Aziz

All the activities were organised by our Play team, who also hosted information stalls, with face painting and colouring for children, at both our Hospitals.

Caroline Jenkins, play specialist, said: “We’ve had a fantastic week with lots of activities for the children to take part in. We do these activities all the time for our patients, however, Play in Hospital Week has given us the chance to raise awareness about the work we do, and why it matters.

“It’s so important that children are still able to play when they’re in hospital. It can alleviate boredom and helps distract them. I’m so pleased that this week has been such a success, and all the children have really enjoyed themselves.”

Play in Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children in hospital. It’s run by the National Association of Health Play Specialists with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

 

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