25th June 2020
Admission to Hospital throughout the Covid-19 pandemic can be extremely difficult with limited visiting and the need to remain socially distant from other patients. We are aware loneliness can be an issue, particularly for our elderly patients.
Rainbow Friends is a scheme set up, through our Play Therapists and Patient and Client Experience Team, to begin a “pen pal” relationship between long term paediatric patients and older patients. Writing the letters can help our younger patients to develop communication skills whilst providing a much valued distraction for those facing a stay in hospital alone.
Blake, 12, has been in Hospital for almost a year and took part in the scheme. He wrote a letter to Joy to wish her well in her recovery and to say he hoped she was not “too bored in the big hospital! You should have a play specialist over there like I have. They keep me entertained with painting and drawing most days!”
Patients taking part in the scheme should speak to their ward sister who will arrange this through the Patient and Client Experience Team.