Dewsbury and District Hospital Outpatient Transformation Project

Providing essential indoor play and facilities to support emotional wellbeing of children in hospital through our MY Children's Services Fund.

Hospital visits can be stressful and isolating for young patients but; play has been proven to reduce anxiety, reinforce emotional resilience and even aid recovery. With your help, we can create a dedicated indoor play and sensory space at Dewsbury Children’s Outpatients department which will support a therapeutic environment that benefits both children and their families during challenging times.

Dewsbury and District Hospital cares for a vibrant and diverse community, including many children who need both short-term and long-term medical support. At present, play resources for paediatric patients are limited, leaving many young people spending extended periods in clinical environments without access to meaningful stimulation.

Distraction through play can ease anxiety, promote social interaction, and restore a sense of normality in an unfamiliar setting.

Sensory play, in particular, offers invaluable benefits for children with additional needs — providing comfort, engagement and experiences tailored to their individual preferences

The Project Plan

Currently, the Children’s Outpatients department is uninspiring and the space is overly clinical which can be daunting for children. We have a vision of how we can bring this space to life and we need your help to make some meaningful impact.

MY Hospitals Charity fundraising to support the installation of forest themed play items and decoration. For example, a forest themed wall vinyl, fun wall mounted games and activities, themed soft seating and a play campervan for children to go inside and interact with. These improvements will make the space more than just a waiting room. It will become somewhere kids can enjoy and make positive memories outside of the anxieties they may have about being in hospital.

Dewsbury and District Hospital Staff Quotes

A Lead Nurse at Dewsbury and District Hospital:

“Currently, the Children’s Outpatients area at Dewsbury is outdated and in need of attention. Resources for our young patients are limited, and children often spend extended periods in the department without opportunities for play or stimulation. This upgrade will make a meaningful difference for both patients and staff, creating a brighter, more welcoming, and supportive environment. 

Having clinics in Dewsbury is so important for local families, providing high-quality care close to home in a child-friendly setting. The refreshed space will be brighter and more child friendly, improving patient experience while also enhancing the working environment for our staff. 

I am proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our team every day. This project is a fantastic opportunity to ensure our facilities reflect the high standard of care we provide and the commitment we have to the children and families we serve”

 

Registered Nurse at Dewsbury and District Hospital:

“It is a very large and sparse space and hasn't had any kind of update or improvement for a very long time.

It is very bare with minimal toys, is still very clinical and as such is not very child friendly. I don't think just putting in a few extra toys would help. It needs a makeover and some features, wall coverings/decor that make it obviously an area designed to provide children with some distraction and entertainment whilst in the hospital setting.”