Can you help our ‘boredom busting’ activities appeal?
Did ‘Uno’ that Epsom and St Helier are looking for donations of puzzles, board games and other activities to help keep patients engaged and occupied while in hospital?
Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Charlotte Hall, said: “We are proud to be able to offer the level of care that we do, but as anyone who has spent any length of time in hospital can probably vouch for, we know it can be a boring and isolating time, and many people find being away from home quite difficult.
“We have launched the activities appeal to help ensure our patients have options to stave off boredom, including puzzles to test the grey matter and board games to encourage social interaction between patients.
“Evidence shows that participating in activities and social interaction can help patients use a combination of skills, which in turn helps to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, communication, can boost patients’ moods, as well as reduce agitation and boredom.”
Donation ideas:
- playing cards
- puzzles, word searches
- board games
- jigsaw puzzles
- colouring/reading books
- portable radios with headphones.
Charlotte explained: “Although we already have a number of activities on our wards (such as social meal times where patients can eat together should they chose to, or the entertainment stations at each bedside which patients can use to watch TV or listen to our hospital radio stations), we would like to be able to offer more games, puzzles and activities for people.
“Whether you would like to donate something small or big, we would really appreciate any donations we receive. Please note, we are unfortunately unable to accept second hand items due to infection control and health and safety guidelines.”
Donations can be dropped at our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offices at either: St Helier Hospital (ground floor, B block), or Epsom Hospital (ground floor, A block, next to pre-op assessment) between 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the PALS Team on 01372 735243.
As well as donations, we are also looking to recruit volunteers to befriend and spend time with patients on wards. Volunteering can be rewarding and make a huge difference to people’s lives. It is also a great way to gain experience, enhance various skills, keep busy and to give something back. If you would like to volunteer with us or for more information, please visit: www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/volunteer or email: esth.voluntary.services@nhs.net.
