Bramble Ward celebrates Play in Hospital Week

Young patients and staff on Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital have been celebrating National Play in Hospital Week with face painting, fun crafts, balloon modelling and magic tricks. 

The event, which ran from 28th September - 4th October, was organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) and is supported by Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national charity which provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK. The week, is a wonderful opportunity for hospitals, hospices and community teams to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of play and activity in the treatment of poorly children and young people, and this year the week has the theme of ’40 years of Passion for Play’.

Throughout the week, patients on Bramble have enjoyed visits from Cosmo the Clown, Jenna the Pets as Therapy Dog and a local face-painter, to brighten up their stay in hospital.  They also got to take part in some fun arts and craft activities, such as painting ceramic titles, with the Play Specialists in the Bramble playroom, and topped off the week with a movie marathon.

Cara Bennett, a Play Specialist on Bramble Ward, said, “Play is a crucial part of the care we offer to children and young people and this week has been an excellent opportunity for us to show the positive impact of play on a child’s experience while in hospital. It has also been great fun for our young patients, their families and our staff and I hope our activities throughout the week have helped to raise awareness of the importance of play.”

For more information on National Play in Hospital Week, please visit www.starlight.org.uk/5D4