Medical Director Appeals for Support to Enhance Children’s Playroom

By – Sadat Dabo 

Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil, the Medical Director of the Upper East Regional Hospital, has appealed to non-governmental organizations, child-focused institutions, philanthropists, and the general public to support the hospital’s newly established children’s playroom with additional educational and recreational materials.

Dr Tambil, who expressed gratitude to Eastwood Anaba Ministries (EAM) for designing and equipping the facility, said an electronic display screen and more learning resources would help maximize the impact of the initiative on young patients.

The colourful playroom, located within the hospital’s paediatric ward in Bolgatanga, was established to provide educational and social therapy for children admitted to the facility.

Equipped with learning and recreational materials, the space aims to support children’s emotional well-being while ensuring continuity in their education during recovery.

The initiative has already received widespread praise from parents, caregivers, and members of the community.

The project was championed by Mr Richard Addah, a neonatal nurse at the hospital, who spearheaded fundraising and mobilized support for its establishment.

“I believe that introducing play into a hospital environment is like bringing a piece of home to the patients. Healing is a natural event, and happy children heal naturally,” he said.

To strengthen the educational component of the initiative, the Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service assigned Madam Georgina Anafo, a teacher at Sumbrungu Kindergarten School, to conduct learning sessions with the children twice each week.

Madam Anafo described the programme as highly impactful and commended the hospital’s management for the initiative.

“Through this programme, I have been able to assess the children’s academic strengths and weaknesses, particularly in sound identification and Jolly Phonics. It allows me to identify learning gaps and give tailored advice to parents so their children don’t fall behind,” she said.

She encouraged other district hospitals in the region to replicate the model for non-critically ill children.

Her observations were supported by Madam Faustina Lardi Bugre, a supervisor at the Municipal Education Directorate, who monitored one of the sessions.

“As you can see, the children are thrilled. This is truly school away from school,” Madam Bugre said, expressing hope that the children would recover quickly and return to their classrooms.

According to Madam Rita Noah, a Paediatric Nurse Specialist at the ward, the playroom serves as an effective form of diversionary therapy that helps reduce the stress associated with hospitalization.

She explained that a nurse was regularly assigned to supervise activities in the room.

“The playroom diverts their minds from the crying and painful procedures associated with hospital care. When they are in this room, they often forget they are even in a hospital. Even on days when no formal play activities are scheduled, you find children eagerly waiting at the door for it to open,” she said.

Madam Noah added that the facility also provided much-needed respite for mothers and caregivers who spend long hours caring for their sick children.

“They are constantly on their feet, caring for their sick children day and night. The playroom gives them a safe space to let their children play while they relax and regain their strength,” she added.

One of the caregivers, Madam Paulina Ako-Ese, said the initiative had transformed the atmosphere at the ward.

“I am so happy to see the children learning and playing at the same time. At one point, I completely forgot I was in a hospital. I am deeply grateful to the management,” she said.

The children’s playroom stands as a testament to the Upper East Regional Hospital’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centred healthcare, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can transform hospital care into an experience that nurtures both healing and hope.

Source –  PR Unit, Upper East Regional Hospital