From baking to puppetry to the sheer enjoyment of making a mess –  Play in Hospital Week has been a real hit at Walsall Manor where Ward 21 staff have been helping young patients enjoy a range of activities.

Play In Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children and is organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS).

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Play Specialists Sam Deane and Angela Kelly have been pulling out all the stops this week to brighten the days of young patients.

Sam said: “No one likes being in hospital but for a child this can be particularly difficult – especially if you know your friends and siblings are still having fun while you’re being limited.

“We’ve had a games day and have made crispy cakes and decorated biscuits so far which has been great fun.”

Some of the tasty treats made

Play Specialist Angela Kelly added: “We’re doing puppet making on Thursday and Friday is messy play day! I think Sam and I have enjoyed ourselves just as much as the patients.

“It’s lovely to see them smiling and forgetting about being in hospital for a while.”

And a fundraising cake and baby clothes sale today raised a total of £356.03 to be split between the Trust’s Well Wishers charity and the Starlight charity that supports young patients.