ONE young patient from Delabole joined in the celebrations at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro (RCHT) recently to mark ‘National Play in Hospital Week’.

The event ran from Monday, September 26, to Sunday, October 2, and during that time young patients, like Rosie Osbourne from Delabole, and staff at the Royal Cornwall Hospital joined in a variety of fun events designed to take the children’s minds off of the fears and pain associated with being in hospital.

The ‘Play in Hospital Week’ was organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) and is supported by Starlight Children’s Foundation, a national charity who provide entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK to grant wishes for seriously and terminally ill children.

The week included a variety of treats, which ranged from the PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog who gave the young patients plenty of cuddles to storytellers to entertain the children and their families.

There was also an opportunity for children, like Rosie, to get some body art, which was created by Jenny Marquis.

Rosie was very pleased with the flowers she had painted on her arm, which could be seen from the big smile on her face afterwards.

These activities were designed to express how play can be used to help patients on the children’s ward at RCHT cope with any pain and fear experienced while they are in hospital.

Gill Caddy, play specialist at Royal Cornwall Hospital, said: “Play is a vital part of the care we offer to children and young people at RCHT.

“National Play in Hospital Week is a brilliant chance for us to raise awareness of the importance of play for children in hospital and showcase the positive impact that play and distraction can have on a young patient’s hospital experience.

“It also gives our patients, their families and our staff the chance to enjoy an array of fun-filled activities.”

For more information on National Play in Hospital Week visit the Starlight Children’s Foundation website at www.starlight.org.uk/latest-news/national-play-in-hospital-week-2016