Talented young patients at Walsall Manor Hospital are doing their bit to celebrate International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

The Children’s Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital is a sea of colour with lots of pieces of art on display.

Many young patients have been creating pictures to decorate the ward as well as chatting to nurses about why they chose to pursue a career in nursing.

Sam Deane, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Senior Play Specialist said: “It’s great for all the children to get involved and learn more about our nurses and midwives and what they do. They play a huge role within a hospital environment and the children are really enjoying interacting with our staff.”

Ward 21 is using this opportunity to raise awareness of nursing and midwifery roles to give them an insight into potential career paths.

Jo Plank, Assistant Play Specialist on Ward 21, added: “We are always looking for opportunities to recruit new members of staff and even though some of these children are years away from a full time job it doesn’t hurt to allow them to think about their own future career.

“They may well choose to become nurses or midwives.”

Throughout the year the children will be able to take part in a number of celebrations including Florence Nightingale’s birthday tea party.