Children receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital are benefiting from a transformed outdoor play area thanks to a team of British Gas volunteers.
Thirteen engineers spent two days improving the outdoor space at Woodlands Ward after several members of the team had experienced the care provided by the hospital first-hand.
Children and grandchildren of some of the volunteers have previously been treated on Woodlands Ward and in the hospital's Special Care Baby Unit.
Working with Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC), the volunteers cleaned play equipment, refreshed existing toys and created a number of new facilities.
The team built a performance stage, teepee, three outdoor seating areas and two storage sheds to protect toys from the weather.
They also donated outdoor games, ride-on bikes, basketball hoops and other activities for children and their families.
Jen Crawford, Customer Delivery Manager at British Gas, said:
"We chose Woodlands Ward at Harrogate District Hospital for our team volunteering project because several of our engineers have experienced first-hand the exceptional care provided there when their children or grandchildren were patients on the ward or in the Special Care Baby Unit.
"During some of the most challenging and emotional times of their lives, the hospital's doctors, nurses, play specialists, and ward support staff were there to provide expert care and reassurance to both children and their families.
"As a team, we wanted to give something back by transforming the playground into a space where children, parents and staff can step away from the realities of hospital life, even if only for a little while, and enjoy a place filled with joy and a touch of magic."
Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to British Gas for their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment to supporting children and young people receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital.
“Outdoor play and access to fresh air can make a significant difference for children and young people during their time in hospital, helping to support wellbeing, encourage activity and provide opportunities for normal childhood experiences while receiving care.
"This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to support their local NHS. The team's hard work has created a fantastic space that will benefit children, young people and their families for years to come.”
The project follows previous support from British Gas earlier this year, when the company donated Easter eggs, toys and games for children and young people receiving care at the hospital.
HHCC works with organisations on corporate partnerships, volunteering projects and donations to support patients, families and staff across Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.
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