If anyone knows how to have fun it’s Walsall Healthcare Play Specialists and assistants who pulled out all the stops last week to brighten the days of young patients for Play in Hospital Week.

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).

Although play has changed during Covid-19 – with the Manor Hospital’s play room unable to open and children having to stay in their rooms – this hasn’t meant that play has stopped!

Assistant Play Specialist Jo Plank said: “I have made up baskets with activities and crafts to have fun with, whilst sitting with child and parent to encourage ‘play well together’, which was the theme of this year’s play in hospital week.

“We have made crowns, masks and pictures and have been gluing and cutting. Even parents have helped to colour Halloween and autumn pictures to display on the ward.”

Play is a massive part of a child’s stay on the ward, to help distract from procedures, to create a positive relationship with staff and families, to reduce anxiety and distress and to make their stay a more positive and fun experience.

She added: “We use crafts and resources from the kind donations of the community and families throughout the year and will be having another appeal during the Christmas period for crafts and activities for children aged up to 16 years.”

Pictured is patient Inara Hadiyah with Jo making unicorns and butterflies.