Play - the hidden medicine for chronically ill children
Being young, ill, alone and many kilometres from home are the things that childhood nightmares are made of. When the illness could be life threatening, and means being alone in hospital for months at a time, the nightmare takes on a dimension that few would like to consider.
Doctors and nurses, no matter how caring, can never replace the normality of going to school, or the simple joy of playing with friends outdoors. It is these two aspects of life that the Johannesburg Hospital School, supported by Medscheme, is trying to restore to the children who spend months confined to the wards of the Charlotte Maxeke hospital.
Involved since 2008, Medscheme has supported the hospital financially to the tune of R1.1million. The proudest achievement to date, however, has been the unveiling of a new playground at the school. It is a place where inhibitions can be shed and “kids can be kids,” forget pain and medical procedures and play together in a safe, custom-built environment, says André Meyer of Medscheme, South Africa’s second largest medical scheme administrators.
“Bringing normality to the lives of chronically ill and terminally ill children, is the mission of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School. Giving them a playground where they can bask in the outdoors without fear of injury is a major step forward, and one that Medscheme is proud to be associated with,” Meyer said.
“The playground, officially opened on 9th March is, through necessity, not just a lawn crowded with climbing equipment. It is a specially planned and built environment, which takes into account the physical frailties of children. It is designed for those who are susceptible to cuts, bruises and more severe injuries. Sharp surfaces, unforgiving metal corners, pipes and even swings that are used with more enthusiasm than good judgement all pose dangers.
“All these factors were taken into account when planning the facility. A panel of medical staff and specialists in designing play areas contributed ideas and the result has been what is probably South Africa’s most expensive - but safest play area,” Meyer said.
Constructed at a cost of about R 550 000, the value of the facility to the children, the hospital and their parents is incalculable. It is a long-term investment in restoring fun into the lives of children who often have very little else to celebrate.
“Play is an essential element in childhood development. It is good for the mind and body and an essential element in the holistic treatment of children who suffer chronic illness and whose very lives are threatened by conditions such as childhood cancer,” said Ronel van Biljon, Principal of the Johannesburg Hospital School. Having a place to play safely and enjoy the open air is of huge importance to the children.
“For the staff that treat the children it is a welcome opportunity for us to step back and watch how pain and discomfort is forgotten for a few blissful minutes and how new friendships are made and blossom,” Meyer concluded.
