Kids get ready to party at Wollongong Hospital

2 September 2019
Staff dress up for Kid's Party Week

The Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward and Illawarra Hospital School will once again be transformed for Children’s Party Week from September 2-6.

Kids and Families Co-Director, Dr Susie Piper, said the event is a fantastic opportunity for children and their families to interact with staff in a fun and engaging way.

“A lot of things go on in hospital that may make children and their families feel anxious,” Dr Piper said.

“Party week gives these resilient young patients and families a welcome distraction and helps them engage with our staff in a different way, creating new and fun memories about being in the hospital,” Dr Piper said.

“We are so grateful to our community partners and local businesses who are volunteering their time and resources to remind these young children and families that they have the support of the whole community as they manage their illness,” Dr Piper said.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural party week, a number of events are planned for the week including parties with princesses, magicians and face painting. The University of Wollongong’s Discovery Centre will visit along with the Illawarra Hawks and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Illawarra Hospital School Principal, Kim Bell, said she was looking forward to the reactions during party week. 

“We are so excited that party week is back for 2019. It was really special last year to see the joy on children’s faces when special guests arrived each day” Ms Bell said. 

“This year the theme of Children’s Party Week is ‘Books vs Movies’, and students from Keira High School, along with staff, have kindly help us decorate the ward and school room.

“The staff will also be getting involved in the fun and wearing some awesome costumes each day,” Ms Bell said.

Children’s party week is hosted by the Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward and the Illawarra Hospital School to enhance the hospital experience of young patients and their families.

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