We’re delighted to announce that we have now added a new hospital to our schedule, with our first visit to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, bringing our total number of hospitals visited to 6.
We will visit the hospital twice a month; once with our team of entertainers and a second monthly pizza and magic visit.
The RNOH recently opened The Stanmore Building after a thirty year campaign to replace many of the old ward buildings that date from World War Two. The new children’s ward, Sir William Coxen, has facilities for up to 27 children. The ward looks after children with a range of orthopaedic related conditions, with children staying anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Many children who we see at University College Hospital who have osteosarcoma have already begun their treatment with surgery at the RNOH so we’re pleased we will be able to spread smiles throughout their treatment.
Prof Paul Fish, Director of Nursing at the RNOH said “Being in hospital can be a difficult experience for a young person. We’re delighted that Spread a Smile has agreed to work with us and to help us bring more laughter and joy to the children’s ward. Alongside our state of the art facility, our fantastic staff and Pepper the robot I’m sure that this excellent scheme will make our young patients stay in hospital as enjoyable as it can possibly be.”
During our first visit in June 2019, we entertained a range of children from 2–16 years old. Children were entertained with a fairy, singing, arts and crafts and balloon modelling (which the student nurses also enjoyed). We also delivered some of our Finn’s Fleeces blankets to keep the children warm at night.
Vanessa Crocker, Spread a Smile co-founder, said, “We’re delighted to add the RNOH to our current offering. It’s always wonderful to be able to spread smiles to more children and teenagers and to help alleviate the monotony of a hospital stay with our special range of entertainment including fairies, magicians, face painters, singers, arts and crafts and so much more.”