Friends Fund £5,085 - Virtual Reality Brings, Comfort, Joy, and Healing to Children’s Ward at St. Mary’s

We are delighted to share the incredible impact a new Virtual Reality (VR) headset is having on young patients at the St. Mary’s children’s ward. Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of St. Mary’s, we have been able to introduce this cutting-edge tool for its first year, transforming the hospital experience for many children and young people.

The VR headset has quickly become a valuable resource, especially during painful or anxiety-inducing procedures. By offering an immersive escape - from swimming with dolphins to walking with elephants - the headset allows children to transport themselves to calming, magical worlds. This powerful distraction has been particularly effective in our blood clinic, where many children arrive fearful. Just a few minutes in VR has helped ease their anxiety, making procedures smoother and building their confidence and resilience for future visits.

Beyond distraction, the headset also supports physical and mental rehabilitation. Interactive games encourage movement, aiding children in physiotherapy and post-operative recovery by prompting them to reach to the left or right as part of gameplay. Additionally, medical hypnosis and guided meditation apps have offered comfort and relaxation for children admitted with mental health challenges.

We are incredibly grateful to the Friends of St. Mary’s for their generous financial support in making this initiative possible. Their kindness has enabled us to offer a tool that is not only innovative but deeply impactful in improving the care and wellbeing of our young patients.

Thank you, Friends of St. Mary’s, for helping us bring smiles, strength, and serenity to our children’s ward.

Dionne Davies

Play Specialist, Children’s Ward

Dionne Davies, Play Specialist

Dionne with Dave Baldock, Friends Volunteer, enjoying a demonstration of VR set.

Picture: Trustees, Lesley Myland, Andrea Edgson, Helen Foss, Tricia Smith, Helen Foss and Jill Legg with Dionne Davies and Friends volunteer Dave Baldock.