Young patients see their designs come to life in new hospital playroom

A brand-new playroom for children at West Middlesex University Hospital was officially opened earlier today by The Worshipful The Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, Councillor Samia Chaudhary. The new, bespoke playroom has been funded thanks to the support of the local community to hospital charity CW+’s Sun and Stars Appeal, as chosen by The Mayor as one of her charities of the year for 2018.

Young patients, their families and staff were central to the design process with specialist indoor play manufacturers Tigerplay – who CW+ commissioned for the project. There was a particular focus on traditional play such as cars, trucks, a playhouse and kitchen toys.

Previously, the playroom was outdated and in need of refurbishment. The new playroom has been transformed into a bright, fun and welcoming environment equipped with activities and toys suitable for all young patients. There is a sensory area, vital to support children with additional needs such as autism and epilepsy, as well as bespoke sensory lighting and equipment which can be adjusted to provide a calming environment. There is a specially designed ‘wendy house’ fully equipped with toy kitchen, play cots and a garden area for cars and trucks. The walls have been painted with bright colours and fun wall vinyls installed to bring the whole playroom to life. There is also plenty of space for arts and crafts activities, including a new display cabinet to proudly display children’s artwork.

Teenage patients on the ward have their own, separate dedicated space which was also recently developed as part of CW+’s Sun and Stars Appeal and transformed thanks to the support of local company SEGA®.

Natalie Cummins, Senior Play Specialist commented: “We could not be happier with our new playroom. Our inpatient children’s wards see over 8,000 children every year and they are often very unwell, in pain and distressed. This new playroom gives them somewhere to play and just be children again. Tigerplay has created exactly what our children wanted, and the high-quality finish will mean it is durable for many years to come.”

Tola, parent of 12-year-old patient Matthew who has been treated by the hospital regularly since he was two years-old added:  “It doesn’t feel like a hospital when we come in here to play. It has something for everyone and provides such an important space for children when they are poorly.”

Joe Jones from Tigerplay said “It’s been a real privilege to work with CW+, patients, families and staff at West Middlesex. Their passion to transform the playroom and create a real ‘destination’ on the ward for children was really inspirational. It’s always such a joy to see the designs come to life and to see smiles on children’s faces at which can often be a very difficult time for them and their families.”

The CW+ Sun and Stars Appeal is a £150,000 appeal to transform the whole children’s inpatient ward into a fun and child-friendly environment. Over £100,000 has already been raised thanks to local community support. To find out more, or to support the appeal, please visit www.cwplus.org.uk/sunandstars. You can also watch a time-lapse film of the playroom transformation at www.cwplus.org.uk/playroom.