Turning waiting time into play time at PCH.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Turning waiting time into play time at PCH.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
A new initiative at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) is helping make waiting times more enjoyable for children and families.
Thanks to funding from Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF), a mobile activity trolley is transforming waiting time into play time for children and families across PCH, helping reduce stress, boredom and anxiety while creating a more positive hospital experience.
Play is an important part of childhood and supports children’s wellbeing, development and emotional health. Recognising this, the Play and Wait program was developed to help children feel more comfortable and supported during their visit to PCH.
The Play and Wait Activity Trolley is a mobile resource stocked with a range of engaging arts, crafts and sensory activities, funded by PCHF and delivered in partnership with PCH. Children can complete activities alongside volunteers at the trolley, or with their parent or caregiver, while waiting for appointments.
Designed by occupational therapists and the Play, Leisure and Engagement (PLAE) team, the activities intentionally support emotional regulation, helping children feel calmer, more in control, and better able to engage with their healthcare experience. Importantly, the program is a true collaboration, co-designed with consumers and volunteers to ensure activities are meaningful, accessible, and responsive to the needs of children and families at PCH.
Powered by volunteers.
The trolley wouldn’t exist without the generosity of the PCHF community, and one fundraising effort in particular has played a special role in bringing it to life.
For more than 25 years, long-time PCHF volunteers Janet and Nancy have run a fundraising stall every second Friday right outside the Gift Shop at PCH. Combined, Janet and Nancy have now raised an incredible $347,300 for PCHF, with funds like these helping to support initiatives such as the Play and Wait Activity Trolley.
More than 50 volunteers are involved in delivering the Play and Wait program itself, helping bring play directly to children and families throughout the week. Every new volunteer receives training on how to use the trolley, facilitate activities, and engage with children and families to ensure a safe, inclusive and positive experience for all participants.
Since its introduction in December last year, the Play and Wait Activity Trolley has helped transform waiting times for children and families across PCH, with positive feedback highlighting its impact on patient and family experience.
The Play and Wait Activity Trolley brings therapist-designed, interactive play directly to children and families in hospital waiting areas, providing a creative alternative to screen time while supporting wellbeing and participation.
If you are interested in sponsoring a trolley or branding opportunities, please reach out to our Fundraising team at fundraising@pchf.org.au