Radio Lollipop volunteers are celebrating 15 years of putting smiles on little faces at Armadale Health Service.
Paediatrics Nurse Unit Manager Kate O’Reilly-Bradley said Radio Lollipop has been an invaluable source of support to the hospital over the years.
“When children are admitted to hospital, it’s often a stressful time for them and their families,” she said.
”Radio Lollipop has played an integral role in making the hospital a much brighter and cheerful place to be in.”
Armadale Health Service admits almost 100 patients a month up to the age of 16 to its paediatric ward, and provides specialist inpatient and outpatient services for children with medical conditions including asthma, pneumonia and chronic diseases.
Radio Lollipop volunteers visit the hospital every week to provide play and entertainment by reading stories, blowing bubbles, playing games and chatting with parents.
Celebrations were held last week in the newly refurbished playroom, which was funded by Radio Lollipop to give young people a bright and engaging space away from their hospital beds.
Radio Lollipop director Jeanette Shorto said around $7000 had been spent to overhaul the playroom and paint an enchanted mural.
“When we asked how we could help, it was clear that investing in the playroom was a small way to make a lasting difference for patients, even when our volunteers are not on the ward,” Ms Shorto said.