Waterford Regional Hospital was delighted to participate in "National Children in Hospital Play Day" on Wednesday, 29^th September 2004 last.   Additional resources and provisions were made for play and fun activities in the Children's Ward and Outpatient Clinics for the day. 

Activities began at 10.00 AM with members of the "Children in Hospital Voluntary Play Group" distributing special 'Play Day' T-Shirts, activity packs and Balloons to all children.  Assisted by the "Children in Hospital" Volunteers, Boyer Phelan from The Healing Arts Trust at WRH toured the ward with her 'Art Cart' and helped children with a variety of art and craft activities.  In the afternoon Face Painting and Story Telling was provided by Lisa Murphy, a weekly visitor to the Children's Ward, sponsored by the "Book Centre" in Waterford.  The day finished with a raffle of toys and games for all the children in the ward.

Away from the fun and games in the Children's Ward, an information stand in the Main Foyer of the Hospital provided information on the recently published National Play Policy "Ready, Steady Play", which acknowledges the importance of facilitating play in hospital and the role of therapeutic play to help children cope with their treatment and medical care.  Information was also available about the role of the "Children in Hospital" Volunteer Play staff at WRH.

Speaking about the recent events and ongoing development in the therapeutic play area, Ms. Linda Ennis (Clinical Nurse Manager at the Paediatric Ward in Waterford Regional Hospital) said: 

"Play is a natural part of childhood and is vital for all round development.  In hospital, a child has an even greater need to play with familiar toys and activities as a way of reducing the stress and anxiety of hospitalisation.  Play is probably the most natural healing activity that we can provide for children in hospital.  The South Eastern Health Board were delighted that all the nursing and medical staff in the Children's Ward became involved and fully supported the recent Play Day, with many staff exchanging their uniforms for Special Play Day T-shirts, kindly provided by Children in Hospital Ireland."

"Waterford Regional Hospital is fortunate to have the support of the Healing Art Trust, which provides regular art sessions in the Children's Ward.  We also have a dedicated group of volunteers who give up some of their spare time every week to help with play activities in the Children's Ward.  In addition, Story Telling by Lisa Murphy every Wednesday afternoon, is always a big hit with the children.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local people and businesses that have either donated or fundraised for play equipment, toys and art supplies over the last few years.  Their support is greatly appreciated.  I would also like to thank Children in Hospital Ireland and their local Volunteers for their help all year round but particularly for their organisation and help with a very successful Hospital Play Day.  It is hoped that events such as 'National Children in Hospital Play Day' and the recommendations of the National Play Policy will enable further development of hospital play services across the country and thereby enrich the hospital experience of all children."