Children who stay at Russells Hall Hospital will be in for a happier time as the Children’s Ward’s playroom has been upgraded, thanks to the Dudley Group NHS Charity.
The modernised playroom, which has been funded through a combination of charitable funds and community grants, has been transformed with a bright and fun underwater theme. The welcoming room is equipped with activities and toys suitable for all young patients and there is now plenty of storage space for arts and crafts activities, a wet area, and a gallery where children’s artwork can be proudly displayed. There is also a reading corner for those children who may need some quiet time.
Head of children’s services Karen Anderson said: “Hundreds of children use this room every year, which is why we wanted to use the funding available to create a dedicated place for them to engage in play therapy with our health play specialists, helping them deal with the emotional stress of being unwell and not being able to go home.”
Young patients, their families and staff were central to the design process, giving their feedback to specialist healthcare interior design company Grosvenor Interiors. The Trust’s estates team and its PFI partners Summit Healthcare and Mitie also supported the room with refurbishments.
The playroom was officially opened on July 29 by Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, who said: “The new playroom will make children’s experience of coming to hospital a more positive one, helping the whole family to cope during the long and emotional journey they face through surgery and treatments.”
Nithee Patel, head of fundraising at the Dudley Group NHS Charity, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to our donors, supporters, and the NHS staff who have worked so hard to make this refurbishment a reality. Hospital visits are particularly challenging for children, and having a dedicated, private space for young patients to play or take part in activities will make a big difference to their stay.”
The Dudley Group NHS Charity is still fundraising for soft furnishings and toys for the room. If you would like to donate and get involved, please head to the JustGiving page Children’s Ward Playroom Appeal – JustGiving.
