Play in Hospital Week

Celebrating Play in Hospital Week 2023: Nurturing Creativity and Innovation in Play

As October rolls around, we at OPUS Music CIC are thrilled to join hands with hospitals, play teams, and compassionate individuals across the East Midlands and beyond in celebrating Play in Hospital Week. This annual event, taking place from the 9th to the 15th of October, is more than just a reminder—it’s a celebration of the healing power of play.

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. It gives joy, freedom, contentment, inner and outer rest and peace with the world” – Friedrich Frobel

This year’s theme, ‘Creativity and Innovation in Play,’ is a testament to the resilience of both healthcare providers and children facing daunting challenges. At times, hospitals can be intimidating and overwhelming, and for children the experience and these feelings can be magnified by their vulnerability and a lack of control over their surroundings.

The significance of play in a hospital setting cannot be overstated. Play serves as a powerful escape. It has the remarkable ability to lift a child’s spirits, improve their mental health, and even help babies reach crucial developmental milestones.

Despite its proven benefits, play in hospitals remains a challenge for many institutions across the UK. Children benefit from the therapeutic effects of play, but due to constraints and resource limitations, not all are able to access it. 

This week we are joining the conversation and celebrating the importance of supporting children in hospitals through play and praise the remarkable efforts of the dedicated play teams in hospitals across the East Midlands that we are lucky to work alongside.

Together, we can make sure every child’s hospital journey is filled with creativity, innovation, and the joy of play.