Ahoy, me hearties! New hospital playground takes young patients on a pirate adventure

Children being treated at the hospital and their siblings now have a fun and inspiring area to play, making hospital stays less stressful for children and their families.

As well as providing a large pirate ship for children to play on, the I&G team have also provided a climbing frame, soft play items, goal posts and a seating area for parents, as well as creatively embellishing the safety fencing to continue the nautical theme. The pirate ship play area is flying flags designed by children at the hospital.

Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity began fundraising for the project in 2021, encouraging schools, businesses and community groups throughout the region to support its special fundraising campaign, with donors including Keepmoat and OSI Furniture.  

Previous young patients, their families and Children’s Ward staff told the charity what they wanted the playground to look and feel like, as well as voting for their favourite theme.

I&G staff spotted the potential for the site whilst working with the Trust Estates Team, and knew they could make it a real asset for families at the hospital. The I&G team has put £15,000 into the project, through materials, financial donations and time.

I&G have completed over twenty projects for the hospital over the last three years, including an extension to the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, the refurbishment of several wards, a revamp of the discharge lounge and the creation of a staff wellbeing garden.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said: “We’ve been fundraising for two years to bring our plans for the play area to life, and we can’t thank everyone who donated enough for their generosity. We asked our previous patients, their families and our staff how they wanted the play area to look and feel, and it has been amazing to see their brilliant ideas finally take shape in the last few weeks.”

“We’re amazed by the finished result. Having somewhere to play and let off steam will give poorly youngsters a chance to do something normal and fun, and will enhance their experience of being in hospital. They’ll love getting the chance to play at being a pirate!”

I&G Managing Director Christopher Carline said: “It’s a privilege that Rotherham Hospital has entrusted us to work on so many projects, as we can really see the difference that new facilities make to patient care. Our team are all local people who have loved working on the pirate playground, and they’re looking forward to seeing children being able to enjoy the results of their hard work.”

Visitors to Rotherham Hospital with children can visit the play area on the roof, or you can see photos of the new play area on the I&G website: www.iandgltd.co.uk

Press release provided by I&G