By Kris Gilmartin
THROUGHOUT our campaign The Sunday Post has highlighted some
of the vital medical tools and facilities Scotland’s Children’s Hospitals need.
 With your continued support we can fund the equipment that helps doctors and nurses provide the best care for our brave little Scots.
But often the unsung heroes of any children’s ward are the play staff,
who ensure the kids have something exciting to do every day.
It’s not just the children who benefit though. Playtime
is often a chance for weary parents to grab a bite to eat or simply have a rest.
We visited the kids on the second floor of Royal Aberdeen’s Children’s Hospital on Friday afternoon, where the youngsters were in for a special treat.
Magician Garry Seagraves conjured up plenty of smiles as he entertained some intrigued children and parents with a host of tricks hidden up his sleeves.
Rehabilitation
As Play Service Coordinator Heather Beattie explained, the work play staff and entertainers like Garry undertake is central to a child’s rehabilitation.
“We’re looking to treat the whole family,” explained Heather.
“As well as treating the physical condition you’re also treating the emotional side and play and recreation is very much a part of that.
“There are 11 play staff based throughout the hospital and the area on the second floor is supervised by a play leader for most of the day, so the children can participate in organised activities like arts and crafts, dressing-up and things like that.
“The parents can come and interact or they can have a break and we can even accommodate a bed if a child needs it.
“It’s very much regarded as part of their treatment now
and it’s just a combination of different disciplines working together to make sure parents and children have the best possible experience while they’re in here.
“We have specialists who use play to prepare and explain procedures to families, who are very involved in therapeutic play.
“Recreation will speed up recovery and we all know
about the power of laughter, so people like Garry make a big impact.
Tricks
“It’s something different and the parents and carers enjoy it just as much as the kids do.
“The other role Garry plays is on a one-to-one basis with some of the older kids, and he can teach them a few tricks to show relatives when they come to visit, which again is very therapeutic.
“If a parent sees their child happy and relaxed it helps make them relaxed, too, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”
And there were certainly lots of happy faces as Garry produced sponge balls from thin air, dealt out a couple of nifty card tricks and created some very loveable balloon animals.
He remembers spending time in the former Children’s Hospital when he was a nipper and the reward of seeing the children’s faces light up has kept him coming back for the past five years.
“I come in on a Wednesday once a month to entertain the kids and they’re always very excited to see me,” he said.
Rocking horse
“My daughter was admitted when she was young. and I remember coming up to the old Children’s Hospital when I was a kid and I think they still had one of the same rocking horses in the ward!
“But it’s great because even if a child is confined to their bed I can go around the wards and do stuff at their bedside as well.
“I teach them a few tricks and you see some of them leaving with packs of cards, so it gives them an interest as well.
“It’s a long day for the parents and there’s not much they can do except wait. It’s nice to bring a smile to their faces, too.”
 IF YOU have a special reason for contributing to or raising funds
for our appeal then we’d like to hear from you. It could be that you’d like to thank caring staff for the treatment they’ve provided in your hour of need.
Or perhaps a relative spent time in one of Scotland’s children’s hospitals and the experience has left a lasting impression
on your family’s life.
Whatever the reason, please let us know.
We’d be delighted to share your experiences with our readers.
And, who knows, it may inspire others to follow in your
fundraising footsteps.
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