Children and young people being treated at Walsall Manor Hospital are being given activity packs to help them through potentially stressful visits.

Age-specific activity packs are being given to children who are treated on Ward 21 and in the Paediatric Assessment Unit, the Emergency Department and Paediatric Outpatients.

The 500 packs were kindly donated by Walsall Healthcare’s charity Well Wishers and contain a colouring book and pens. One of the first patients to receive a pack was four-year-old Freddie. Freddie attended hospital after having an accident, hurting his mouth.

His mother Karley Mason said: “It was a lovely surprise for Freddie to be given a pack and kept him entertained. He was still colouring in during the car ride home!”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “Our main aim is to provide amenities and comforts for patients which have not been provided by the NHS.

“We were delighted to buy these activity packs for some of our youngest patients and hope it makes their hospital visit happier and less stressful.”

Emma Lester, Play Specialist said: “We wanted to get something to give to the children who attend these departments which would act as a distraction to them while they wait for assessment, are on our ward or maybe waiting to be admitted.

“Patient experience is important to us and these books will help keep the children amused and in turn reduce the parents’ stress levels.

“This should then make the whole experience less traumatic for both the child and their parents.”