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Every year in the UK one million
children have to spend one or more nights in hospital
and three million attend Accident and Emergency departments.
By the age of 7 the majority of children will have had
some contact with hospitals and over half will have
been emergency admissions.
We believe preparing children in
a general way can reduce the stress and anxiety caused
to children who are ill and suddenly find themselves
in unfamiliar surroundings in hospital. We run Hospital
Playboxes to achieve this aim.
When a Hospital Playbox is used in a pre-school or primary
school setting it gives parents the opportunity to talk
with their children about hospitals in a casual way
rather than finding it necessary to give explanations
at a time of anxiety when they know their child is going
into hospital.
 The
Hospital Playbox contains safe hospital equipment, mini
uniforms, books and toys about hospital. It is available
on loan to pre-school groups and primary schools. Its
aim is to help children learn about hospital by playing
and asking questions.
It comes complete with an information video, teacher’s
notes and information for parents. Are Co-ordinators
are available to give talks to parents if required.
In Scotland, Hospital Playboxes reach thousands of children
each year.
The following comments reflect their
success:
“My child was recently admitted
to hospital after the box had been in school.
It certainly helped him to take things in his stride”.
PARENT
“The Hospital Playbox has been
a terrific resource”.
PLAYLEADER
“The Hospital Playbox has been
a great asset to our “Ourselves Project”
TEACHER
“We loved the Hospital Box
so much we wanted to keep it forever. Thank you for
sharing it with us”.
JAMES Aged 5
The Hospital Playboxes are lent out
for, on average, periods of two weeks, or for longer
if required.
A modest fee is charged to cover
running costs.
If you would like a Hospital Playbox in your area, please
phone or email:
22 Laurie Street, EDINBURGH, EH6 7AB.
Tel/Fax: 0131 553 6553
Website: www.ascscotland.org.uk
E-mail: enquiries@ascscotland.org.uk
Contact Details
Elizabeth May National Co-ordinator
22 Laurie Street
EDINBURGH
EH6 7AB
Action for Sick Children (Scotland),
is the campaigning name of
"The National Association for the Welfare of Children
in Hospital (Scotland)", which is a charity recognised
by the Inland Revenue, No SC006016 |
Hospital
Playbox