Young patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich have a new reason to smile thanks to a heart-warming donation from Little Tikes. The toy brand has generously gifted a vibrant selection of its iconic red and yellow cars, trucks, a petrol station and a slide to Dolphin Outpatients Department, transforming their outdoor play area into a playful escape during their hospital stay.

These vehicles are already making waves amongst young patients who are enjoying driving these in the outside play area at Dolphin Outpatients Department. One of the young patients, Isabella, enjoyed playing with the toy car during her visit, as well as using the toy petrol station. The vehicles help bring joy to the young patients visiting a hospital setting, whilst also encouraging imaginative play.

Isabella topping up her car with the toy petrol station

Two of our young patients Ronnie and Blue can be seen playing with the two blue toy trucks, thoroughly enjoying cruising around the play area in these.

We also had the opportunity to speak with the parent of Blue, Zeinah about the impact the play area has on Blue’s visits to the hospital, as well as how these toys donated by Little Tikes are going to enhance the play area.

Zeinah told us, “These are lovely toys for the kids; my twins enjoy hospital visits because of the play area”.

Blue and Ronnie in their blue trucks

Ronnie could also be seen interacting with Consultant Amy Moran, as they pumped up their toy truck by the toy petrol station demonstrating parents, carers and colleagues can also get involved to support children’s play.

Consultant Amy Moran with her patient Ronnie 

Lauren Clarke, Receptionist/administrator at Dolphins Outpatients, said:

"A huge thank you to Little Tikes for their generous donation to our Paediatric Dolphin Outpatients. The impact of these ride-along cars will be truly amazing for the children – bringing smiles, comfort, and a sense of fun to their visit. I would also like to give a big thank you to my team at Dolphin for helping build and set up the cars".

Dolphin Outpatients Department is part of the Children’s Service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and takes great pride in offering emotional, developmental, and therapeutic benefits for children and their families. We understand that being in a hospital setting can be quite scary for children and our Play area is one of the best ways we can emotionally support children and their families. That is why our Charity and the team at Dolphin Outpatients Department are extremely grateful to Little Tikes for their generous donation.

If you wish to find out more about how to support our patients and colleagues at LGT, contact us at [email protected]

If you'd like to help us continue to support our patients and colleagues at LGT, then please consider donating, it's only with your help we can make a difference