Young patients, doctors, nurses and staff on the children’s ward at Watford Hospital demonstrated how play is good for your health during National Play in Hospital Week which ran from Monday, October 6.

Children on the ward took part in a number of special activities organised by the hospital play team, aimed at helping them to cope with pain and fear while they are in hospital.

The play team also helps to alleviate boredom and support children to learn.

Patients on Starfish ward and Safari Day Unit in the children’s department had the opportunity to do sponge painting, balloon modelling and much more.

They also helped to create a "Helping Hands" tree, where children and visitors have created the leaves on the branches with their handprints.

There was a themed Disney "Frozen" day and a show from Auntie Julie, an entertainer from POD Children’s Charity, a national organisation which specialises in entertaining children in hospital.

Patients on the children’s ward were also given LEGO from Fairy Bricks, a charity which uses LEGO to brighten the lives of sick children.

Chief executive of the health trust Samantha Jones, along with other executive director colleagues, added her palm print to the Helping Hands tree and said: "National Play in Hospital Week is very important for two key reasons - it reminds us of the importance of supporting children and young people who are patients in hospital and it celebrates the vital role of hospital play staff.

"I was delighted to be able to support National Play in Hospital Week and to help shape the wonderfully colourful Helping Hands tree."

Hospital play specialist Helen Peck said: "Play is a crucial part of the care offered to children and young people in hospital.

"National Play in Hospital Week is an excellent opportunity for raise awareness of the importance of play to children and young people in hospital."