Miles of Smiles for local kids – appeal launched

For parents bringing their child to see a doctor at the Latrobe Regional Health Consulting Suites a place to play, be distracted and get away from the waiting room has been a missing feature.

“Currently, the children’s play area is pretty bare and clinical. We’re hoping the community can help us raise funds to make it a fun space designed for kids, so that the trip to the doctor may be a little more enjoyable,” LRH Consulting Suites Business Manager, Paul Ferguson said.

The Consulting Suites at LRH serves 70,000 patients each year, 4,000 of whom are children.

The Miles of Smiles Appeal 2024, aims to raise funds to upgrade the existing children’s waiting room into a play area to entertain and engage young visitors and reduce the stress that may go with visits to medical facilities.

“A child who has had a bit of time to play and get engaged with a fun environment will always be more relaxed when we get to see them,” Consultant Paediatrician Dr Simon Fraser said.

“Some children for whatever reason are frightened about coming to see the doctor so there are multiple reasons why a dedicated, engaging and fun space for the kids to hang out in prior to their appointment is a good thing.

“It’s good for the child, the parent and the overall goal of better health, as the child’s meeting with the doctor, nurse or other health professionals, will be better if they’re more relaxed.”

Parent of four, Chrissy De Hommel has thrown her support behind the campaign having attended the Consulting Suites with 13-year-old twins Levi and Tyler and more recently four-year-old Brandon.

“Each of the boys have had appointments here over the years and while the care they’ve received has been great, they have got a bit bored at various times, so having somewhere that they can take a bit of stress off and have a safe play would have been great.”

The recent redevelopment of the Timbarra paediatrics unit at LRH, has brought the design of the Consulting Suites children’s waiting area into focus.

“Expectations and awareness of what a play/waiting area for younger people should look like have changed over the years. If you look at the new Timbarra Unit, or what’s available to children at the Royal Children’s Hospital for example, there is certainly room for us to improve what we offer at the LRH Consulting Suites, so we hope the community will support us with this campaign Paul Ferguson said.

Donations to the campaign can be made at https://bit.ly/3yN0DqN