CHILDREN at Tunbridge Wells Hospital are enjoying a new therapy play room in the Woodlands Unit, funded by the charity Emilia’s Little Heart.
The charity, which was set up in memory of a young patient, aims to ensure that every child in hospital should be helped to cope with the environment through play and distraction from pain.
Patient Yasa Muhammad helped to open the room after having his face painted as Spiderman.
Emilia’s Little Heart joined forces with Play Specialist Sheree Marks of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to maximise the room’s impact and meet strict infection prevention standards.
Ms Marks says: “Play can often help children to recover more quickly and reduces stress and -anxiety. This room will be so important to the families who visit us.”
The £2,000 project includes a mural, toys, books, an arts and crafts area and comfortable seating.
Catherine Rose, Paediatric Ward Manager, says: “We are passionate about delivering child-centred care and this new play therapy room provides a quiet and calming space for children and their -families away from the main waiting area.”
Rachel Shaw, a Trustee of Emilia’s Little Heart, says: “This area will help ensure that children can see hospital as a positive environment, a way to meet other children, to explore, have fun and play.”
