Under the sea party extravaganza for young patients in hospital’s ‘Safari Ward’

Young patients and their families were treated to an “under the sea” themed summer celebration last week.

The Safari Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Stadium Road, Woolwich, hosted the party for children, their families and colleagues at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.

The Children’s Inpatients Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital – known as Safari Ward – provides care for children and young people with a variety of medical conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, diabetes, sickle cell or epilepsy.

One patient, two-year-old Hope Smith, got involved in the arts and crafts with the help of the education team from the Old Royal Naval College.

Hope’s dad, Charlie Smith, said: “What a great summer celebration! My daughter Hope loved the music, arts, and crafts, and the party was engaging and catered to her needs.”

The event included a photo booth, mocktails, and a competition to pin on mermaid tails and shark fins, with the winner receiving a prize. Staff members also received special wellbeing party bags to take home.

Carol Sullivan, Play Specialist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital said: “It was a much-needed summer celebration, and even the sun came out. It was wonderful to see our patients, their families, and colleagues enjoying themselves.

“We plan these events and activities for our patients to make them feel at ease in the hospital while also having fun. 

“Our colleagues’ health and well-being are very important, we were delighted to be able to give them the wellbeing bags and mocktails. Thank you to everyone who helped make this party an amazing success.”

Pictured top: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust staff members make the most of the party atmosphere (Picture: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust)