Children in hospital to benefit from new entertainment unit
LEGO® Izzie helps to present the entertainment unit to the charity team.
A local charity has taken delivery of an entertainment unit full of goodies to support children staying in hospital in Basingstoke.
Hampshire Hospitals Charity recently welcomed Merlin Entertainment’s Magic Wand team to the children’s ward at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital where they presented patients and staff with an entertainment unit containing items for children of all ages.
The mobile unit, which can be moved around and taken to a child’s bedside, includes a screen, Xbox console, controllers and games. It also contains an assortment of LEGO® and DUPLO® helping to spark imagination and creativity during their hospital stay.
Merlin Entertainments has been a big supporter of Hampshire Hospitals Charity and regularly visits the hospitals it supports to bring joy to young patients. Mark Hainy, head of charity, said; “The Merlin’s Magic Wand team visits children in our hospitals in both Winchester and Basingstoke in the run up to Christmas, to spread some festive cheer and they always bring LEGO® Santa with them who hands out small LEGO® gifts. During their visit to Basingstoke last year, we were delighted when they announced that they would like to donate one of these units to us to help keep children entertained during their stay in hospital.
“A stay in hospital can be daunting when you can’t fully comprehend what’s going on and, when you’re away from your familiar surroundings, it can be difficult for our young patients to settle. Having something like this which can be shared around is fantastic and will enhance their experience, especially for those who are unable to get out of bed and use the playroom.”
The hospital’s play team was delighted to meet representatives from Merlin Entertainments as they handed over the unit.
As part of the unveiling, staff and children on the ward were joined by LEGO® figure Izzie who stopped by to say hello and pose for pictures.
Magic Wand, global project manager Rebecca Hudson Bett’s shared; “We’re incredibly proud to gift this mobile unit, bringing the magic of play directly to children who need it most. Helping hospitals create joyful, transformative moments for young patients and their families, is part of what we do. It’s been a magical day.”
The unit is already up and running and being put to good use by the children currently on the ward and will remain on the ward for future patients to enjoy.