Call to restore hospital play areas

EIGHT in 10 hospital play areas for seriously ill children remain restricted or have been removed since the pandemic, a report shows.

- Lucy Johnston

Campaigners say they must be restored completely because they are vital to the wellbeing of sick youngsters. Experts have accused NHS trusts of using the threat of Covid as a “smokescreen” to repurpose playrooms and redeploy staff to reduce costs. 

Child specialists argue that play is vital to development and psychological wellbeing, particularly for youngsters in hospital for severe or long-term conditions.