Young patients at Walsall Manor Hospital have enjoyed a week packed with fun, creativity and special surprises as the hospital celebrated Play in Healthcare Week.
The annual event highlights the important role that play specialists and therapeutic play have in helping children cope with hospital stays, treatment and recovery.
Throughout the week, children and young people across the Children’s Ward, Paediatric Outpatients, Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) and Emergency Department took part in a range of themed activities.
Health Play Specialist Emma Lester and Play Facilitators Toni Harris and Jayne Rogers organised a special event for each day of the week.
The week started with the Ward 21 Play Team being named Health Play Team of the Year 2026 in the Starlight Health Play Awards.
On Tuesday, the Children’s Department was transformed for a Toy Story and Disney-themed day, with special guest Dizzy Kizzy Entertainer bringing favourite characters to life as she visited children across the departments.
Wednesday’s Pirates and Princesses Day offered more opportunities for imaginative play, with themed activities and a special princess visit. There was also a toy donation from Millfield Rose Care Home, presented by Kiran Chaggar-Smith, Customer Relations Manager, and Rebecca Williamson, Customer Relations Executive.
Thursday focused on creativity with a dedicated Craft Day, featuring activities funded by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers and supporters who continue to make experiences like these possible for children receiving care at the hospital.
The celebrations concluded on Friday with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, including storytelling by Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley accompanied by Humphrey the charity mascot, crafts and a hospital version of the much-loved We’re Going on a Bear Hunt adventure. Children also enjoyed snacks and activities alongside staff and volunteers.
Trey, 12, is currently being treated on Ward 21 and attended some of the activities during the week. He said: “It has taken my mind off things and been really cool. It was great to receive a present as well.”
Emma said: “Play is a vital part of a child’s healthcare journey. It helps reduce anxiety, supports emotional wellbeing and allows children to continue being children, even when they are in hospital.
“Play in Healthcare Week gives us a fantastic opportunity to create positive experiences, bring smiles to our patients and showcase the incredible impact therapeutic play can have on recovery and wellbeing.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone supporting the week through donations, visits and activities.”
Georgie said: “Seeing the smiles on children’s faces throughout the week has been wonderful and it was a lovely experience reading to the children and seeing their smiles.
“Thanks to the generosity of our Well Wishers supporters, including Milfield Rose, we have been able to help fund activities that make a real difference to young patients and their families during their time in hospital.
“We are proud to support initiatives that bring comfort, joy and positive experiences to children receiving care at Walsall Manor Hospital.”