IN the first of its kind in Cornwall, ear, nose and throat, and ophthalmology specialists at the Royal Cornwall Hospital took an innovative approach to appointments for young patients, working with Paradise Park in Hayle to hold a ‘super-clinic’ at the JungleBarn last month.

The JungleBarn indoor play centre opened for the exclusive use of the hospital, with party rooms becoming consulting rooms and the seating area hosting the community village including, health, physical and mental wellbeing support services, as well as practical health eating demonstrations by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals catering team.

“Coming to hospital can be a daunting and anxious time for some children,” explains consultant Neil Tan.

“We wanted to try something different that could make seeing a doctor a more fun experience. We know from the work of our Play Specialists at the hospital, the therapeutic and distraction benefits of play. And while the children have time to play, we’ll be offering parents and carers information and advice on a range of practical topics as part of a ‘community village’.”

Smile Together Dental services were on site to offer advice on oral care and tooth brushing. This new clinic offered a well-rounded holistic approach to health care, not just for the children but also for their families.

Roz Davies, general manager and inspiration behind the clinic, said: “60 children were seen across the day for conditions such as acute tonsilitis, grommets and squints.

“The children were sent ‘party invitations’ to a morning or afternoon session where they had their doctor appointment, with time to use the soft play area whilst their parents can took advantage of the community village support.

The team at Paradise Park welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with the NHS and to support families to access care for their children in a new way.

Before the visit, Alison Hales from Paradise Park said, “We’re excited to be the first location in Cornwall to test out this new approach to outpatient appointments, it’s great to work with the NHS and other community partners to do something quite different.

“We hope the children will have a fun time and if they do need to go to hospital later on, will feel less daunted as a result of experience they’ve had here.”

Alison Cane, Service Manager for Smile Together added, “We’re delighted to be part of this innovative clinic at the JungleBarn, helping to make healthcare a positive experience for children.

“At Smile Together, we know that early, friendly encounters with dental professionals can make a real difference in how children view oral health for life.

“It’s wonderful to join our NHS colleagues and community partners in creating a relaxed, playful environment where families can access advice and support — and have some fun along the way!”