Star Wars characters visit hospital with a serious message about fun

Hospital's play week emphasises the importance of recreation for children who are inpatients

Lightsabres met lifesavers when characters from the Star Wars universe visited a London hospital.

Stormtroopers and other characters from the film franchise helped publicise University College Hospital's annual 'play in hospital' week. Their aim was to raise awareness of the benefits of play for children in hospital, such as speeding up recovery time and reducing anxiety.

Outlandish

Members of Star Wars costume club Imperial Outlanders gave a dance display in the hospital's main atrium, aided by Britain’s Got Talent finalists Boogie Storm.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust play services manager Jenny Oliver helped organise the event. She said: ‘It helped get across a serious message: play can help children feel less anxious and more empowered during their stay in hospital.’

The trust has begun using a range of superhero-themed hospital gowns and released a free mobile phone app called Hetty’s Hospital, designed to familiarise children aged four to eight with their hospital surroundings.

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