Stanger Hospital gets new play area for children

Children admitted to Stanger Hospital will now have more fun at the paediatric department, which recently received a generous donation from overseas funders of about R80 000 to assist with early childhood development.

Stanger Hospital cares for children with a variety of different medical and surgical conditions. Many of these children are at risk for or already have developmental delay and holistic care is essential as this determines future health, behaviour and learning.

Children need a stimulating environment, adequate nutrients and social interaction with attentive caregivers. Poverty and related problems such as poor health and nutrition, deficient care and limited stimulation have negative effects on early development.

The donors funded the transformation of an outside paved grey yard into a green and colourful playground and developed sensory and activity walls in the outpatient area and admission wards where children can improve their sensory, cognitive and fine motor development while discovering the effect of their actions upon an amazing variety of objects.

Both the staff and the children in the paediatric wards expressed their gratitude to the Van Aerde family and the Lions Club (of Ballito?).

Thanks to their initiative the paediatric wards in Stanger Hospital have become a happy and conducive environment for children in their care.

Charity groups in the community interested in assisting with supervised structural play are encouraged to contact tSlie Mzila on 032-4376240.