Playing in Pediatrics: Donors support kids’ recovery

While an unexpected stay in the hospital might be unpleasant for a young person, it doesn’t have to interrupt the everyday joys and distractions of childhood.

Thanks to a pair of donor groups in Langley, every child admitted to Langley Memorial Hospital will have access to new toys to help pass the time and distract themselves during treatment.

The United Churches of Langley (UCOL) Social Justice and Outreach Endowment Fund, along with Clover Towing, a transport business based in Langley and Surrey, have donated to support the purchase of a selection of new toys to distract and engage kids during their hospital stay.

Gillian McLeod, a mother of four special needs children and the Social Justice and Outreach Program Facilitator at UCOL says there’s a keen interest in giving to Langley Memorial from among the congregation. She shares their enthusiasm, she says.

“I was excited to find things like needs for cardiology care, pediatrics and the Whatever It Takes Fund,” she says, referring to the fund that helps newly-discharged patients settle at home to recover in comfort.

“Helping hospitals works within the mandate of our committee to support people in need. And giving to pediatrics meets our emotional and justice-oriented needs of many of us [in the congregation].”

There are numerous benefits for children who get a chance to play with toys during a hospital stay, says Karen Vanderveen, Pediatric Patient Care Coordinator at Langley Memorial Hospital.

“Toys provide a sense of normalcy and safety and help provide distraction when kids are anxious about treatment or procedures,” she says.

“Not only that, when kids play they increase their mobilization, they talk more which improves their breath support, and they also process their hospital experience. You could go as far as to say that toys are an essential part of kids’ treatment during their hospitalization.

“When we see kids wanting to play during their illness trajectory, this is a positive sign that they are on the road to recovery.”