Fun and fantasy were the name of the game as staff and kids on Stepping Hill Hospital’s Tree House children’s unit celebrated national ‘Play in Hospitals Week.’

The unit’s play specialist team set up a series of visits to the ward, including princesses from the Disney films, hospital clown Louby Lou, and local PCSOs, fire service and ambulance teams, with the chance for children to look around a real ambulance, police car and fire engine. Meanwhile the play team were dressing up as all manner of characters, from Marvel and DC superheroes to the Aliens in Underpants crew, and organised a special Bee facepainting day.

Play In Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children across the UK. It is organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS), together with the Starlight foundation, and aims to promote and ensure the provision of appropriate therapeutic and stimulating play facilities in healthcare.

Stepping Hill Hospital play specialist Jeanette Burden said “Play is an important part of helping children to bear and cope with their stay in hospital, making it a less scary and more fun time. We provide enjoyment for children all year long, but this week is a great opportunity to pull out the stops in showing what we do, and making it one of the fun highlights of the year for our young patients.”