Children and young people receiving care on Woodlands Ward at Harrogate District Hospital are benefiting from a revitalised outdoor play area thanks to the support of British Gas engineers, who volunteered their time to give back to the ward that helped care for their own families.
For several of the volunteers, their children and grandchildren have received care on Woodlands Ward and in the Special Care Baby Unit, which inspired them to improve the outdoor space for future patients and families.
Working in partnership with Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC), thirteen engineers spent two days transforming the ward’s outdoor area into a more welcoming and engaging environment.
On Tuesday 28 July and Thursday 30 July, Adam, Carl, Curtis, Jason, Lisa, Mae, Martin, Paul, Rob, Stuart, Tanzeer, Yannick and Jen worked together to clean outdoor play equipment, refresh existing toys, and create a range of new facilities designed to support play, wellbeing, and recovery.
The team built a new performance stage, a teepee, three outdoor seating areas and two storage sheds to protect toys from the weather.
They also donated a variety of new outdoor games, ride-on bikes, basketball hoops and other activities for children and their families to enjoy outside of the ward environment.
Jen Crawford, Customer Delivery Manager at British Gas said: “We chose Woodlands Ward at Harrogate District Hospital for our team volunteering project because several of our engineers have experienced first-hand the exceptional care provided there when their children or grandchildren were patients on the ward or in the Special Care Baby Unit.
“During some of the most challenging and emotional times of their lives, the hospital’s doctors, nurses, specialists, and ward support staff were there to provide expert care and reassurance to both children and their families.
“As a team, we wanted to give something back by transforming the playground into a space where children, parents and staff can step away from the realities of hospital life, even if only for a little while, and enjoy a place filled with joy and a touch of magic.”
Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to British Gas for their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment to supporting children and young people receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital.
“Outdoor play and access to fresh air can make a significant difference for children and young people during their time in hospital, helping to support wellbeing, encourage activity and provide opportunities for normal childhood experiences while receiving care.
“This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to support their local NHS. The team’s hard work has created a fantastic space that will benefit children, young people and their families for years to come.”
The volunteering project is the latest example of British Gas’s support for HHCC. Earlier this year, the company donated Easter eggs, toys and games for children and young people receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital.
It is through the generous support of organisations like British Gas that HHCC can continue to improve the experiences of patients, families and colleagues throughout Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
Any organisations interested in making a positive difference through corporate partnerships, volunteering initiatives or donations can contact the HHCC team at [email protected].