Charity which supports critically ill children announces latest hospital partnership

A charity which provides entertainment services to critically ill children has announced a new partnership with a major hospital.

Spread a Smile, which offers entertainment to children and young people receiving care in hospitals, will partner with Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

The Spread a Smile team of entertainers, including musicians, artists, magicians and therapy dogs, will spend quality time with patients through regular in-person visits to the hospital.

Patients and their families will also be able to access a range of its support services, including virtual sessions, outings and events.

Summer Pavitt, healthcare play specialist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “We’ve seen first-hand the amazing difference this charity makes in the lives of our children and young people during challenging times.

“We’re looking forward to future visits and are grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on our youngest patients.”

Queen Elizabeth Hospital joins 36 other major and speciality NHS hospitals, and six hospice partners already supported by the charity.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile chief executive, said: “Spread a Smile is proud to be working with the team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, to support young patients under their care, helping to provide distraction and much-needed moments of engagement and fun.

“We are looking forward to our visits, meeting even more patients, families and staff and spreading as many smiles as possible.”

Pictured top: Spread a Smile entertainer with a patient and therapy dog in hospital (Picture: Paul Meyler)