When you think of children at Christmas, a series of classic images fills your mind: siblings gleefully shrieking as they tear into brightly coloured parcels; candlelit little ones in paper hats scoffing handfuls of pigs in blankets with parents distracted by aunties and in-laws; a family walk to get some fresh air when the sugar and novelty of new toys are just too much. It’s a heart-warming, if not chaotic, scene.
But for many families, a very different set of pictures emerges: hard, plastic chairs under fluorescent bulbs; the crinkle of stiff paper gowns against paper-covered beds; monitors beeping as parents say, ‘Shush now love, and try to keep still’.
Around 150,000 children and young people will spend the festive season in hospital. On top of the ongoing impact of preexisting conditions, increased infection risks make winter months an especially likely period for those who are seriously ill to be admitted. Isolated from family and friends, it can feel far from a joyful time of year. Children and parents are lonely and sad.
That’s where Starlight can help. We strongly believe in treating the whole child, not just their condition. With this in mind, the charity provides toys, games and activities to hospitals for children to enjoy. We support, train and champion health play practitioners who are vital to reducing the trauma that can result from medical procedures and hospital visits and stays.
I can’t put it better than Laura, who has spent the holiday season in hospital with her son, Billy: “Making plans with a child with complex health needs comes with its challenges and a high number of disappointments. I would hate to count up the number of failed Christmases, birthdays, holidays, family time and days out.”
Laura adds that the time in hospital is improved so much by the people who work there: “All this would not be possible if the hospital didn’t have compassionate and dedicated staff that believe in making children well, especially around Christmas. Working around holiday times in an emergency service means that staff miss out too on family time. We are forever grateful for their commitment to Billy and many other patients within the hospital. This commitment, dedication and compassion has no doubt kept Billy alive to see many more Christmases.”
This Christmas, Starlight is shining a light on children’s loneliness in hospital. Help us help children and their families feel the festive spirit, wherever they spend the big day.