HUDDERSFIELD'S young patients are learning to play it better - thanks to the work of a dedicated team.
Painting, collage-making and digging in the sandpit are some of the activities enjoyed by children at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to make their stays more bearable.
But there is more to the sessions than meets the eye, according to hospital play specialist Karen Foster.
Karen, who works as part of a three-strong play team on children's wards 17 and 18, said: "Through play we can find out about their fears and anxieties.
"A child may not come out with their fear.
"We may have to tease it out of them by watching them play or their parents tell us.
"We can then work out a play regime for them to take the clinical side out of it."
She said techniques to familiarise children with the ward and equipment helped dispel fears.
Distracting youngsters with play during painful procedures such as blood tests also helped them to cope.
She said: "A lot of it is not understanding and being in unfamiliar surroundings with lots of different faces.
"It can be very daunting.
"We try to make it as child-friendly and homely as possible to give them chance to relax."
PlayStations, music and toys are some of the play items provided on the wards to keep youngsters occupied.
Karen added: "The main thing is to relieve them of boredom because when they get bored they think about their illnesses."
Sessions are being held at HRI next week to reassure children coming into hospital in the near future.
Activities will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm to help familiarise youngsters with the ward.
To book a session, or to arrange another time to visit, contact Karen Foster on 01484 342479.
