Kids Ward transformed into a Magic Kingdom

The Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward and Illawarra Hospital School were transformed into a ‘magic kingdom’, for the inaugural Children’s Party Week held in August.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) Kids and Families Co-Director, Dr Susie Piper, said the event was 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 allows patients to see the hospital in a non-clinical way and engage with our staff to help create new and fun memories about being in the hospital,” she said.

“These young patients and their families are so resilient, and we are full of admiration of them. We hope to give them something back and remind them they have the support of the whole community as they manage their illness,” Dr Piper said.

Illawarra Hospital School Principal, Kim Bell, said the children had a wide variety of experiences during the week.

“We transformed the Children’s Ward into a ‘magic kingdom’ where people were invited to dress up and be part of a range of fun-filled events,” she said.

“The ward and school room were decorated and there was also a range of special community guests invited to be part of the action,” Ms Bell said.

“Party week was a fantastic initiative which was the result of the hard work of dedicated staff from ISLHD and the NSW Department of Education as well as several other community partners and local businesses who have volunteered their time and resources to give these children and their families respite from their illness,” Ms Bell added.

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