A generous donation from international charity Child’s Play is helping young patients at Waitākere Hospital enjoy some much-needed fun, connection and a sense of normality during their hospital stay.
David enjoys the new gaming equipment donated by Child's Play Charity to Rangatira Children's Ward at Waitākere Hospital.
Thanks to a US$2,500 donation from Child’s Play Charity, Well Foundation has been able to provide new gaming equipment for Rangatira Children’s Ward, giving children and their families another way to relax, play and connect during what can often be a difficult time.
Child’s Play is an international charity that works to improve the lives of children in hospitals through the power of play and gaming. By providing games, technology and other resources to healthcare facilities around the world, the charity helps make hospital experiences more positive for children and their families.
The funding has enabled the purchase of two Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, 12 games, two gaming headsets, a television and a specially designed mobile trolley to safely house and transport the equipment around the ward.
For Chloe, a Play Specialist at Waitākere Hospital, the new equipment has already become a valuable tool in supporting children through their hospital experience.
“Part of my role is to support children and families who are struggling with hospitalisation and their medical interventions.
The Nintendo Switch and our gaming trolley has meant that we can take it into patients’ rooms. We can help them just relax, unwind, reconnect with what they enjoy at home and help them gain that sense of control.”
The gaming equipment has been particularly beneficial for older children, providing age-appropriate entertainment and opportunities to interact with others. It also allows siblings and families to play together, bringing a little of their everyday home life into the hospital environment.
As Chloe shares, it's about much more than simply passing the time.
“It’s lovely to have technology for our older children and families and to see them getting competitive and having a good time and just relaxing in a space that is often stressful and hard for them all.”
Whether it's a friendly competition between siblings or a welcome distraction from medical treatment, these moments of fun can make a meaningful difference to a child's hospital experience.
Well Foundation extends a huge thank you to Child’s Play Charity for helping make hospital stays a little brighter for children and families at Waitākere Hospital.
Watch the video below to hear from Chloe about the difference this generous donation is making on Rangatira Children’s Ward.
