Derriford Hospital celebrates Play

Young patients and staff at Derriford Hospital have been celebrating National Play in Hospital Week by organising lots of fun things, including a visit from Emazdad the Magician and having a magical visit from Upon a Wish, where Anna from Frozen created smiles throughout our children’s wards.

The event, which ran from Monday 28 September – Sunday 4 October was organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) and is supported by Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national charity which provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK and grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children.

The week is a wonderful opportunity for hospitals, hospices and community teams to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of play and activity in the treatment of poorly children and young people. This year was extra special and had the theme of ’40 years of Passion for Play’.

Play in Hospital Week Patients on Woodcock and Wildgoose Wards have been expressing how play helps them to cope with their pain and fears whilst they are in hospital, by using play activities as a distraction. This comes as part of a week of play-related activities, which has been organised by the hospital play team.

Sue Rodgers, Play Specialist Team Leader, said: “Play is a crucial part of the care offered by the play service here at Derriford Hospital to children and young people. National Play in Hospital Week has been an opportunity for us to demonstrate the positive impact of play and distraction on a child’s hospital experience.

“It has also been great fun for our young patients, their families and our staff and the activities throughout the week have helped to raise awareness of the importance of play!”