A VIDEO to launch the Playground SOS appeal is fronted by a former patient, who first had treatment at just 11-days-old.
Harry Thomson, now eight, was born with a large infantile haemangioma behind his ear that needed specialist care. A haemangioma is a collection of abnormal blood vessels.
He was first seen when he was less than two weeks old and remained under the watchful eye of the paediatrics team until he was almost three.
READ: Help to create a Playground fit for Whiston Hospital young patients
Harry has fully recovered though he has been left with some permanent skin distortion, not uncommon with large haemangiomas.
Harry is joined by other young patients in the video - and their siblings - who all agree that having a safe place to play is a great idea.
Mrs Dyan Clegg, deputy director of estates and facilities, said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with our amazing younger patients and brilliant clinical team to design a fun playground that promotes both physical and brain development too.
“Our team is raring to go and we’ll be doing all we can to support Playground SOS and bring everyone’s ideas to life.”
Janet Bentham, matron paediatrics, said: “The benefits of having a playground in a hospital go beyond entertainment.
“Whether they are patients themselves or they’re spending a lot of time in the hospital visiting loved ones, children benefit greatly from the distraction, laughter and exercise.
“We’ll all be supporting the Playground SOS appeal.”
To support the campaign, go to wshospitalscharity.org or call 0151 2904400.
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