Monkeying about for play week
Next week is National Play in Hospital Week, and there’s a range
of fun activities planned for visitors to Poole Hospital to take
part in.
Events will be running on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday (9-11 October) in the dome area, led by Holly Barnes,
hospital play specialist, from 10.30am-2.30pm each day.
There’s a chance for youngsters to bring in
their unwell teddy bears to be diagnosed at a teddy bear clinic on
Thursday. Children will be given the chance to play the role of a
doctor and learn about a range of medical procedures.
Woolen worry pets, used to encourage children
to share concerns, will be available to take home on Wednesday to
anyone with a worry to share.
Tuesday and Thursday see visits from the Caring Canines
charity, whose specially selected pooches visit youngsters, as well
as adult patients, in hospital who are feeling paw-ly.
Other services, for example children’s
therapy, will also be on hand to explain how they use play to make
hospital visits more comfortable.
And throughout the week there’s a chance to
name ‘Monkey’, pictured with Holly, and who is a new member of the
play specialist team.
“Coming into hospital can be daunting for
patients of any age,” said Holly. “But for children, it can create
a lot of anxiety around what will happen to them.
“We use techniques like distraction and play
to help younger patients understand what is happening, and to
encourage them to talk about any fears or concerns they may
have.
“It’s great to be able to raise awareness of
the role and the benefits it can bring to children in
hospital.”
ENDS.