For the thousands of families who rely on the services of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) each year, the Family Hub offers something simple but powerful: a break from the clinical world around them. Soon, this sanctuary will strengthen its impact, as the hospital prepares to establish its first and only indoor play space within the Family Hub – thanks to the generosity of the Good Friday Appeal.

Often described as a ‘home away from home’, the RCH’s Family Hub is a non-clinical space designed to give families respite from hospital rooms, appointments, and long days of treatment. With a quiet lounge, kitchen facilities, and a business centre, it allows patients and their families a chance to pause, regroup, and feel a sense of normalcy during what can be an overwhelming time.

Each year, around 24,000 parents, carers, siblings, and patients pass through the Family Hub. With children making up nearly a third of all visitors, the need for a dedicated play space for younger children became increasingly clear.

“What we were finding over the past few years is that families were increasingly wanting more space for their children to be able to safely play. Up until now there’s been no other internal play space available to children under the age of five,” shared Kiley Kavanagh, the hospital’s Family Services Manager.

This play space will accommodate children of all abilities, ensuring those with a range of illnesses can safely engage in play. This inclusive approach can help transform the hospital experience for all children, to better support their recovery and well-being during hospital stays.

“Kids need to play and exert their energy, and it’s important that they actually have something tangible to do. The importance of play in the healing process cannot be overstated,” Kiley highlighted.

This area will also encourage family bonding, allowing patients to enjoy the space alongside their siblings. In doing so, the area will help ensure the whole family can stay connected while a child receives care.

“Kids can climb, explore or play solo. This thoughtfully designed play space can also give mums, dads or carers a bit of a break – keeping children entertained and occupied,” Kiley shared.

The play space will help transform the hospital experience for children at the RCH in countless ways. It can support cognitive development, provide a positive distraction from pain and discomfort, reduce anxiety, and give children a greater sense of control over their environment – empowering them throughout their hospital stay.

Kiley and the entire team at the RCH are incredibly grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of the community in helping bring this play space to life, helping make a truly life-changing impact.

“Thank you to the Good Friday Appeal for helping the RCH invest in an indoor play space. This designated area has the power to not just improve the emotional wellbeing of a child, but the entire family,” Kiley said.

“The importance of play in the healing process cannot be overstated. From reducing anxiety to encouraging family connection, the benefits that come with play, and a play space are endless. Thank you to the Good Friday Appeal for helping the RCH invest in an indoor play space. This designated area has the power to not just improve the emotional wellbeing of a child, but the entire family.”

– Kiley Kavanagh, Family Services Manager