Patients pat a pet in play week

Child patients at the Royal London Hospital were excited to be greeted by Cassie, a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, on 30th September. The visit was part of a range of activities held to mark this year’s UK-wide “Play in hospital week 2015”, held from 28th September to 4th October. The annual scheme aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in children’s treatment. Organised by charity Spread a Smile, Cassie caused much excitement on her visit this year. She first joined children enjoying a craft-making session, then headed to wards to comfort children with Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) and blood disorders with her bright eyes, silky fur and wagging tail.

The Royal London Hospital has a full-time play team to support the needs of the 40,000 children cared for each year. Nonetheless, “Play in Hospital” week was special up on the seventh floor. There was a visit from the London Symphony Orchestra, arts and crafts, story-writing, a music workshop and teddy-bear clinic. Staff are also ran bake sales and a bric-a-brac stall to raise vital funds for Barts Charity which hopes to support future children’s activities in the hospital.

Tara Shea, Play Team Leader, explained: “We are having a brilliant week at The Royal London, thank you to everyone who is supporting us. Especially Cassie, who is definitely the star of the week! It is important that all children and young people in hospital can enjoy a full range of play activities. Through play, we can explain complex information and give comfort to children and families during difficult treatment or a serious diagnosis. We are often called upon by clinicians to help encourage a child to take vital medication or undergo essential treatment. It’s also lovely for parents to see a smile brought to the face of their child who is going through so much.”

Talia Berkowitz, owner of Cassie and Spread a Smile volunteer commented: “Cassie had the most wonderful day at the hospital and loved all of the attention, cuddles and tickles she had from the children. Jessica’s banner is hanging proudly above her bed.”

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