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PRESS RELEASE: 20 September 2005

Come and play…at Addenbrooke's Hospital

This week (19-23 September) is National Play in Hospital Week, and Addenbrooke's is joining in the fun with a packed programme of events for its child patients.

Flying the flag for Play in Hospital Week

"We've got activities from music to storytelling to a visit from creepy-crawlies from a local wildlife park, and we will even be making a special flag which will be raised on the flagpole during the week," said Mags Hirst, Play Specialist.

"There is a serious side, though. Play helps children take their minds off the fact that they are in hospital and express their feelings and any worries they may be having. It can also help a child understand their treatment and illness. What's more, research has shown that play has a positive effect on recovery and rehabilitation. The aim of the week is to show just how valuable play in hospital can be."

Children have made a special flag to fly from the Addenbrooke's flagpole

Addenbrooke's has a team of play specialists and nursery nurses, helping children through their time in hospital. They are also joined by musicians, clown doctors and other performers from outside the hospital who regularly put on workshops and events for the children.

The sessions will be open to child inpatients at the hospital.

PRESS

You are invited to attend activities on Thursday 22 September for photo/filming opportunities.

1100-1200 Storytelling session on Ward C3
1430-1630 Face painting on Wards C2 and D2

Please contact Emma Oram on 01223 274433 before Thursday if you would like to attend either or both of these sessions.

For further press/media information contact: PR & Communications Department, Box 53, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 274 433; Fax: 01223 257 143; Minicom: 01223 274 604.