Ahead of the Children’s Health department moving from Poole Hospital to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital next Spring, tots from Tops Nursery tried and tested the new sensory play area put in place for children needing hospital care.
Funded by University Hospital’s Dorset NHS Charity, the new sensory play area was a hit with children enjoying the padded walls and mats, a hurricane tube for visual stimulation and shaped mirrors to explore pattern reflection.
Patients of all ages can benefit in many ways from the sensory equipment while they are in hospital, for example, it can improve their motor skills and hand eye co-ordination, build confidence and reduce anxiety and frustration. It will also enable children with disabilities to play with others in a more relaxing environment.
As part of The BEACH Appeal to raise a fundraising target of £1.5M, University Hospitals Dorset celebrated the completion of the sensory play area on Friday with the help from some little friends who enjoyed cutting the ribbon and immersing themselves in the new space.
The new play area worth more than £20,000 will positively impact children and families for many years to come, and it was made possible thanks to generous donations from Actisense, the Bubba Hub, Baby Mama No Drama, the Duckenfield Family, the Horns Inn, Parkstone Rotary, the Natwest branch in Bournemouth and Wonder Wards.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity Fundraising Manager Jessica Tyler said: “This space is yet another example of the generosity of supporters across Dorset who are coming together to support the appeal launched in Spring 2024 to raise funds to further enhance the new hospital building. Together, our local community is helping to transform care for Dorset.”
University Hospitals Dorset Lead Play Specialist, Caroline Fawcett said: “Friday was a wonderful opportunity to see the sensory area in person and see the difference it will have on patients of all ages when the Children’s Unit opens in Spring 2027, particularly those who benefit from sensory-related activities and play. The benefits of sensory play for a child’s development cannot be underestimated, and we are very fortunate to have this now in place in readiness for the move of our service.”
“It’s wonderful seeing plans, projects and new spaces like this come to life, especially knowing it’s items beyond NHS funds that children, young people and parents have told us would have the biggest impact on their hospital experience.”
Press release and image – University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity