Simple solution breaks up boredom for kids

15 December 2006

Simple solution breaks up boredom for kids

A children’s waiting room in the nuclear medicine department of Wellington Hospital has undergone a dramatic transformation, with some paint, artistry and donated equipment.

The Wellington Health Foundation worked with others to provide funding for the paint, new television, DVD player with DVDs, table and chairs, and other toys, making the room bright and interesting.

Technical imaging specialist of nuclear medicine, Jo Dodd, said the new area would make a huge difference to the youngsters who used the service.

“This now bright and interesting room, and the donated equipment, has given children undergoing long and unpleasant procedures something to take their mind off their worries,” Jo says.

“It really will make a world of difference to these kids who can’t run around and play during this process. Boredom is a real issue and having this area available will certainly help ease that.”

The long wait can result from a process of releasing a tracer into a patient’s system to highlight particular parts inside the body, and then having to undergo a lengthy scanning process. This can often take several hours.

Wellington Health Foundation’s Hospital Volunteers Services Manager Kim Clifton worked with the Foundation to get the project up and running with funding and donations. She also engaged volunteers to re-paint the room and an artist to paint some great pictures on the walls.

Funding and donations for the project included the Foundation, volunteer workers from ANZ Bank, TSE Group, Habitat and artist Calen Maiava-Paris.

An official opening and presentation of the new equipment will take place on Wednesday, 20 December, at the Nuclear Medicine Department, Wellington Hospital, at 11:30am.

ENDS

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