Young Patients Attend Hospital Clinic Held at the JungleBarn in Hayle

Young patients swapped waiting rooms for slides and soft play last month as ear, nose and throat and ophthalmology specialists from the Royal Cornwall Hospital held a first of its kind “super clinic” at the JungleBarn in Hayle.

A different way to see the doctor

Consultant Neil Tan said, “Coming to hospital can be a daunting and anxious time for some children, and we wanted to try something different that could make seeing a doctor a more fun experience. We know from the work of our Play Specialists at the hospital, the therapeutic and distraction benefits of play. And while the children have time to play, we’ll be offering parents and carers information and advice on a range of practical topics as part of a community village.”

The JungleBarn indoor play centre opened exclusively for the hospital. Party rooms turned into consulting rooms and the seating area became a community village offering health, physical and mental wellbeing support. The Royal Cornwall Hospitals catering team also provided practical healthy eating demonstrations. Smile Together Dental services were on hand with advice about oral care and tooth brushing.

A full day of care and play

General Manager Roz Davies, who inspired the clinic, said, “60 children were seen across the day for conditions such as acute tonsilitis, grommets and squints. The children were sent party invitations to a morning or afternoon session where they had their doctor appointment, with time to use the soft play area whilst their parents can took advantage of the community village support.”

Paradise Park embraced the collaboration with the NHS. Before the event, Alison Hales from Paradise Park said, “We’re excited to be the first location in Cornwall to test out this new approach to outpatient appointments, it’s great to work with the NHS and other community partners to do something quite different. We hope the children will have a fun time and if they do need to go to hospital later on, will feel less daunted as a result of experience they’ve had here.”

Bringing oral health into the mix

Alison Cane, Service Manager for Smile Together, added, “We’re delighted to be part of this innovative clinic at the JungleBarn, helping to make healthcare a positive experience for children. At Smile Together, we know that early, friendly encounters with dental professionals can make a real difference in how children view oral health for life. It’s wonderful to join our NHS colleagues and community partners in creating a relaxed, playful environment where families can access advice and support — and have some fun along the way!”

The day brought together healthcare, play and family support in one setting, offering a fresh take on children’s outpatient care in Cornwall.