Students help cure boredom for our sick kids

Being sick is never fun, but our youngest patients at Mount Druitt Hospital will be able to pass the time with 40 activity packs donated by JobQuest Penrith.

The activity packs include a decorative tin with toys, stickers, colouring pencils and art books suitable for children of all ages.

Mount Druitt Hospital Children’s Ward nurse manager Kate Lowe said children get bored when they are in any place for a long period of time.

“When kids are sick, they sleep more than usual, but once they are starting to feel better they become fidgety and bored,” Kate said.

“Taking their minds off their illness is beneficial to their recovery and so is keeping them entertained.”

JobQuest Penrith youth consultant Karen Shute said the students who donated the activity packs are learning and practicing employability skills aimed at communication and giving back to the community.

“They approached local businesses to ask for donations to create these activity packs,” Karen said.

“They were passionate about the cause and were proud to be able to give to sick children, hoping to take their mind off their illness whilst in hospital.”