A hospital is encouraging parents to play with their children while they are receiving care as patients.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is emphasising the importance of play as part of children's care during National Play in Healthcare Week.

The paediatric rehabilitation team at the hospital said play helps lessen the negative effects of extended hospital stays on children's growth.

Parents of hospitalised children often hesitate to engage in playful activities due to the fear of causing harm or disrupting the clinical environment.

The team at the QEH is committed to changing this perspective, encouraging parents to interact and play with their children just as they would at home.

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Paediatric physiotherapist at the QEH, Clemmie Halligey, said: “Parents can often be hesitant to engage in play with their children whilst they are unwell and connected to medical equipment.

“Their concerns about disturbing tubes and lines or moving an unwell child can hinder the natural movement and development that play provides as well as affect the bonding between parent and child.

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“Play is more than just fun – it is essential in child development, helping them learn and develop physical skills, as well as promote social and emotional wellbeing."