Doncaster patients turn into honourary nurses

Earlier this month, children spending time at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s (DBTH) were given tiny nurse costumes and recruited to look after a group of ‘unwell’ toys in a playroom, which had been transformed into a very special hospital ward.

The youngsters and their families were able to get involved in the make-belief, checking mock X-Rays, using pretend stethoscopes and giving treatment to the toys using equipment from their very own doctor’s bags. Unisex uniforms were given out to encourage all children on the ward to think about being a nurse when they grow up, regardless of their gender.

Part of a national initiative called ‘Nurses of the Future’, the day was an opportunity to engage younger patients with an interesting activity, as well as to plant the seeds for a future career within the health service.

Jill Edwards, Play Leader at the Trust, said: “Children in hospital are likely to look up to those who are caring for them and this is the perfect opportunity to get them interested in the profession. Our visitors really enjoyed the day and it gave them something fun to focus on and distract them from their treatment.”

The Play and Activity Team work in the children’s areas at both Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital. They arrange fun activities for children spending time in hospital to keep their spirits up and help aid their recovery. They also arrange learning activities to make sure young patients in hospital don’t miss out on essential development.

The Trust has been working alongside Doncaster school, Hall Cross Academy, to offer work-experience opportunities for students interested in careers in health and social care. Earlier this year, a health careers day was held at Doncaster Dome for year eight students who were preparing to choose GCSE subjects. The Nurses of the Future day is an extension of the Trust’s commitment to grow local talent to be the next generation of healthcare workers, encouraging children to aspire to these professions from a young age.

If you are interested in a career at hospital visit www.dbth.nhs.uk/jointheteam