By Holly de la Nougerede | Southampton Children's Hospital
Claire's Story
Claire is only 2 years old, but she’s already experienced many hospital stays at Southampton Children’s Hospital. The doctors and nurses do a wonderful job of looking after her complex medical conditions, but there’s so much more to being 2!
It was her first day out of isolation when Claire met Dr Ding Dong and Dr Dotty. As her Grandmother said to us, “You can see her delight at being with them in the photos, they were the best tonic after being in isolation.”
You can’t always see it easily, especially when children are as bubbly and loving as Claire, but repeated stays in hospital - especially with periods spent in isolation - can leave a big trauma footprint for children like Claire. While other children her age can play with their friends and go to the playground and have new experiences every day, Claire and her family have to take extra care of germs and bugs. Of course keeping her health safe is vital, but it does mean that she sometimes misses out on opportunities to develop her social and communication skills with other children her own age.
That’s where the Giggle Doctors come in. They have training in child development, so they understand how children Claire's age usually like to play, communicate, and have fun. They also have training about how this varies for children with complex conditions.
Calling on all this training, Giggle Doctors can provide children with playful encounters which do much more than just bring a sparkle of laughter to their day. The chance for a real connection and a playful moment can reduce a child’s stress and anxiety and help humanise the hospital environment.
This means so much for mums, dads and carers too: “What a fabulous day to come out of isolation, thank you for everything you and your team do for children like Claire,” Her grandmother told us. She’s always so attentive to what’s best for Claire, but meeting Dr Ding Dong and Dr Dotty brightened her day too. It’s so important not just for a parent to see their child happy, but also for a child like Claire to see her grandmother having fun too!
It might look like a few bubbles and some smiles, but these pictures with the Giggle Doctors really tell a much more important story about how vital the chance for communication, connection, and joy are for young children with complex medical and developmental needs and their families.
Thank you
We were so grateful to have your support and as you can see, it makes a huge difference. You help us to continue bringing magical moments to children and their families across the country.
Thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to email enquiries@theodora.org
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