When school is the best medicine

While thousands of school children file through the gates, spare a thought for those kids in hospital, unable to start the year with their friends.

Tomorrow 12 children ranging in ages from 6 to 17 will begin the school year at John Hunter Children’s Hospital School, some are new to the school and others are long-term or recurrent patients.

The beginning of a school year is much different for these children, they’re in hospital dealing with illness or injury and many would much rather be in the playground than confined to a bed.

Those children new to the school often find being taught in a hospital setting daunting as often they are separated from their regular school environment.

School in hospital can also be a fun and rewarding experience for students, regular visits from Captain Starlight and “Pets as Therapy” dogs are a distraction from the daily grind.

For many children schoolwork is an often welcomed diversion from the treatment they’re receiving each day and the monotonous nature of hospital life.

16-year-old Year 11 Newcastle High student Bianca Woods has been in and out of hospital over the past year with kidney abnormalities and would much rather be returning to school with her friends.

“It’s a big year for me this year, I want to go all the way through, finish year 12 and fulfil my dream of becoming a hairdresser,” Bianca said.

“Lots of other people my age take school for granted, a lot of them are thinking of pulling out and not finishing but I want and education. They don’t realise how lucky they are.”

Principal of the school Bev Meldrum is mindful that the children are in a hospital setting and cater for their school needs along with their medical needs.

“Most of the children like to come down to the schoolroom where we try to make it a normal, positive environment,” Principal Meldrum said.

“Initially it’s a bit of a shock for them but after a while they all really like us to come around and see them because it’s a normal environment and they’re distanced from any medical treatment.”

The John Hunter Children’s Hospital school is a Department of Education run facility that works in conjunction with Hunter New England Health at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

Media Opportunity:
Media representatives are invited to attend.
When: Thursday 28 January, 2010 at 10am
What: Interview and photo with patient Bianca Woods, who is starting year 11 in hospital
Where: John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Media inquiries:
Lucas Coleman - 02 4921 3844, 0407 895101 (ref HNE- 2140)