Fun was the order of the day for young patients invited to a party to celebrate National Play in Hospital Week at Good Hope Hospital.

The objective of National Play in Hospital Week is to raise awareness of the health benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children.

The party was funded by Starlight Foundation Children’s Charity for past and present patients on the Hospital’s children’s wards, and included kids’ favourites such as face painting and balloon modelling. Popular party games, such as ‘pass the parcel’ also gave the youngsters a reason to smile.

Play specialist, Theresa Hull said: “National Play in Hospital Week is an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness of the benefits of play, while organising a really fun party for our patients. Being unwell can be very distressing and scary for children and play really does help to distract them from any pain and anxiety they might be feeling, which in turn can help them to better engage with their treatment.”

Neil Swan, chief executive of Starlight Children’s Foundation, said, “As a national charity that brightens the lives of over half a million poorly children in the UK each year, we are really proud to sponsor National Play in Hospital Week.  The work of Hospital’s and their play specialists is invaluable in the treatment of poorly children and we are delighted to support it.”