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ADOSE OF
HAPPINESS
TOHELP DRIVE
BETTEROUTCOMES IN
HOSPITALS
IT COULD BE EASILY ASSUMED THAT HAPPINESS AND PLAYTIME IS LOWON THE LIST OF
PRIORITIES OF PATIENTS AND FAMILIES WHEN A CHILD IS IN THE HOSPITAL. OFTEN AN
AGONIZINGWAITWITH SOMETIMES UNCERTAIN OUTCOMES, BEING IN THE HOSPITAL IS AN
UNHAPPY TIME FOR MOST CHILDREN, AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES.
“For some patients who are isolated
and/or far from home, play can be
a real time of normality and solace
from hospital life. It is something
fun and enjoyable that translates
to each patient, no matter what the
language or cultural differences
may be. Having time for arts and
crafts, games, fun and interaction
can be really uplifting for a patient’s
wellbeing and help children
cope with their diagnosis and
treatment,” explains Sarah, who
works as a Play Specialist at GOSH.
A father from the GCC, whose son
was recently treated at GOSH, was
amazed by the play therapy service
and how it helped his son. “Using a
small toy with plastic organs, they
told my son everything about his
disease. It was amazing, he felt like
he was given more importance and
not just treated as a patient," he
explained.
H
However, according to Great
Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)
in London, research suggests that
happiness can actually lead to
better health and longevity. Play
is proven to have high therapeutic
value for ill children and can help
with their recovery too.
GOSH, who treat over 1,500
patients from the Middle East each
year, incorporate happiness into
every aspect of treatment and the
hospital experience with the hope
of improving patient outcomes.
Activities can range from play
therapy to celebrating important
cultural events and even celebrity
visits.
17
May/June 2017