Children and young people receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital are enjoying a newly transformed outdoor play area, offering them a brighter space to play, relax and spend time with their families during their hospital stay.

The makeover was made possible thanks to a team of British Gas engineers who volunteered their time to revamp the Woodlands Ward play area.

The project was especially meaningful for several members of the team, who had seen first-hand the care provided by hospital staff when their own children or grandchildren were treated there.

Working alongside Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, 13 volunteers spent two days refreshing the outdoor space, adding new features and creating a more welcoming environment for young patients and their families.

Children and young people receiving care on the Woodlands Ward at Harrogate District Hospital are benefiting from a revitalised outdoor play area thanks to the support of British Gas engineers, who volunteered their time to give back to the ward that helped care for their own families

placeholder image — Children and young people receiving care on the Woodlands Ward at Harrogate District Hospital are benefiting from a revitalised outdoor play area thanks to the support of British Gas engineers, who volunteered their time to give back to the ward that helped care for their own families

The team, made up of Adam, Carl, Curtis, Jason, Lisa, Mae, Martin, Paul, Rob, Stuart, Tanzeer, Yannick and Jen, worked on Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 July to give the play area a complete refresh.

As well as cleaning and restoring existing equipment, the volunteers built a new performance stage, a teepee, three outdoor seating areas and two storage sheds to help keep toys and activities protected from the weather.

They also donated a range of new outdoor games, ride-on bikes, basketball hoops and other play equipment, giving children and families more opportunities to enjoy time outside the ward environment.

Jen Crawford, Customer Delivery Manager at British Gas, said the project was inspired by the team’s own experiences of the care provided at Harrogate District Hospital.

She 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, thanked the volunteers for their generosity and commitment to supporting young patients.

She 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 is the latest example of British Gas supporting Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity after the company previously donated Easter eggs, toys and games for children and young people receiving care at Harrogate District Hospital.

Through the generosity of local organisations, Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity continues to fund projects that improve the experience of patients, families and NHS colleagues across Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.