Ward play room would be 'safe haven' - fundraisers

Hospital staff and patients' families have launched a campaign to raise £20,000 to create a new play room for children with complex needs.

Fundraisers at Leeds Children's Hospital hope to transform a room on the respiratory ward into a multi-purpose play area with a mobile sensory unit.

Many of the children on Ward L38 at Leeds General Infirmary have complex respiratory and medical needs and can spend weeks or months in hospital.

Emma Clarke, whose four-year-old son George is among the patients, said having a play room would create a "safe haven" for children who spend long periods away from their families.

"So, to be able to move away from their bedside and have time to be a child is so important and also fundamental to their health and wellbeing, as well as their recovery," she said.

Ward manager Pooja Patel wanted to bring a play room to Ward L38 as it is one of the last remaining units without one. Currently, children only have space to play in their beds.

"The hospital ward is a clinical, unfamiliar environment for young people, often facing scary procedures and treatments," Ms Patel said.

"We recognise the importance of creating a safe, calm space where young people can play, explore and simply be children, away from the confines of their bedside.

"This space will be a safe haven - it not only offers a much-needed break from their hospital bed, but also helps improve a child's mental health and wellbeing.

"It's all about creating small moments of joy during an incredibly challenging time for poorly children and their families."

Fi O'Connor, who is play specialist on the ward, said there was nowhere to go "away from the busy and sometimes stressful environment on the ward".

She said: "The new play room will provide us with a dedicated space where we can engage in play with young people that feels more like home to them."

Leeds Hospitals Charity, whose appeal has so far raised more than £5,000, said the play room would offer youngsters the "chance to experience different environments, spark their imagination, and create moments of joy during an otherwise challenging time".

It said: "Our goal is to provide this safe haven for play and healing, ensuring every child feels cared for, supported and valued."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.