Stars Appeal fund VR kit for Salisbury Hospital children's ward
And there's been a bumper year of fundraising for their bookshop
The Stars Appeal is given children having treatment at Salisbury District Hospital the chance to be transported into space, go on safari and much more.
The charity's funded a new specialist virtual reality (VR) headset, costing £6,000, for the Sarum Children's Ward.
It's aimed at making the young peoples' stay in hospital a bit more fun.
Seven-year-old Khloe Mann, from Durrington, was able to get up close to her favourite animals using the kit during her time on the ward. She said:
“The VR headset was really good. There were lots of different kinds of animals to see. It was really exciting; my favourite animals were the lions. It made me feel calm and relaxed.”
Her dad Ryan added:
“It’s nice to break up their time up and it definitely makes children’s stays in hospital easier.”
Arya Smith, aged nine, from Wilton, tried out the games on the VR headset when she was in hospital. She said the games were “cool” adding:
“It’s fun playing the games.”
Her mum Lorna said:
“It’s great to have something like this, which can be taken to their bedside. It gives them something to keep their minds busy while they are in hospital. Thank you very much to all the Stars Appeal supporters for making Arya’s stay more pleasant.”
The specialist therapy equipment is also a great distraction for children when they are being treated and having procedures like blood tests.
As Sarum Ward’s Play Specialist Natasha Long explains:
“The virtual reality therapy kit has made such a massive difference to children on Sarum Ward. It is a brilliant distraction for the children especially when they are being treated and having procedures like blood tests which, in some instances, we would have struggled to get without the therapy headset. It has a calming effect and immerses the children into a different world. Thank you to Stars Appeal supporters for giving us the opportunity to make the children’s time in hospital less scary and more fun and enjoyable.”
The Stars Appeal provides other equipment and activities for the children's ward, including a parents’ flat and pulldown beds so families can stay by their child’s bedside; as well as a dedicated play assistant, and multi-sensory toys.
Bookshop has bumper year for Stars Appeal
The charity's also revealed how much the bookshop in Salisbury District Hospital's foyer, and bucket collections throughout the site, have raised during 2023.
That's brought in £62,653.53, all through the efforts of volunteers.
Staff from the Pembroke Cancer Unit and Consultant Dr Anna Barton, who is also one the Stars Appeal's ambassadors, joined volunteers for a cheque presentation.
The charity needs to raise £1 million each year to fund kit and services across Salisbury District Hospital over and above what the NHS can provide.