Bringing Joy and Comfort to Paediatric Patients in hospital
At Canberra Hospital, the wellbeing
of their youngest patients is a top priority. The Play Therapy Team, supported by dedicated volunteers like Amanda, work tirelessly to ensure that children feel safe, happy and engaged during their hospital visits. Thanks to the generous donations from CAN GIVE DAY 2023 and the continuous support of in-kind donors, the paediatric wards and outpatient spaces are equipped with fully stocked activity trolleys. These trolleys are filled with engaging materials that provide much needed distraction and joy to children and their families during their hospital stay.
Image featuring Canberra Health Services volunteeer, Amanda.
We spoke with Amanda, Canberra Health Services volunteer, to learn more about the impact of these trolleys and the importance of continued support for the Canberra Hospital Foundation (CHF).
Q: Can you briefly tell us about the work you do as a volunteer?
Q: Can you briefly tell us about the work you do as a volunteer?
A: The volunteer role supports the wonderful work of the play therapy team in the paediatric areas of Canberra Hospital. The volunteers attend the outpatient waiting room areas with an activity trolley to provide some distraction for children, offering activities and interaction. Volunteers also visit the inpatient ward areas with a gift trolley to provide children with gifts and activities, including craft packs that the volunteers create.
Q: How do these trolleys make a difference for patients?
A: Both trolleys assist to create a more positive experience for children in the hospital environment. The activities and gifts offered are often met with smiles and excitement. The children and families are grateful to have something to distract them and help them to spend time together away from the necessary tests and treatments that take part during a hospital visit.
Q: How do they make your volunteer experience easier/better?
A: The trolleys offer the opportunity to interact and engage with children, often providing some well-deserved time out for parents and carers. The trolleys assist volunteers to develop rapport with children and their families and allow volunteers to ascertain what support is required and can be offered.
Q: What would you say to people thinking about donating to CHF?
A: Donations made to CHF greatly support those who find themselves, often unexpectedly, requiring the services of Canberra Hospital, during what can be an extremely anxious and scary time for children and their families. Your donation will assist to create respite and comfort during this time.
Q: When people donate to CHF they are supporting CHF staff and volunteers like yourself, what would say to thank the Canberra community for their support?
A: A huge thank you to everyone that has assisted CHF to support paediatric services at Canberra Hospital through their generous donations. I have seen firsthand the value that is derived from the wonderful donations made to the CHF and know that children and their families are extremely grateful for this support, as are the staff and volunteers.
Q: Is there a lovely moment with a patient or family that you would like to share?
A: I have had many lovely moments in my role as a volunteer in paediatrics. I think the loveliest of moments are when I have spent time playing cards, creating with playdough, or building Lego with children; listening to them, getting to know them, and seeing them relaxed and having fun. It is during these times that I am so grateful for the opportunity to support children and their families during their visit to hospital
Learn more about CAN GIVE DAY 2024 and how you too can make a difference.
