Hibs’ players open newly refurbed space-themed play room at St John’s

Two Hibs’ players joined staff and patients at St John’s Hospital in Livingston to officially launch the newly refurbed space-themed play room within the hospital’s children’s ward.

Club Captain David Gray and player Liam Fontaine were among those who joined the St John’s team to officially cut the ribbon on the new interactive play room funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF).

The players took time out of match preparations ahead of the Ladbrokes Championship home fixture versus Livingston, to drop into the hospital and officially lift the wraps off the exciting new play space which will be used by hundreds of sick children who visit the hospital each year.

The children’s ward play room – based within the hospital – received a major refurbishment introducing the newest technology including Xboxes, Game Cubes, space themed lighting and an interactive floor projector, making the room a modern and child-friendly place for its patients.

New books, paints and a 3D TV means the play room now appeals to a variety of ages and is a welcome addition to the unit which keeps children distracted while they are waiting for their appointments. Portable DVD players were also introduced to keep children entertained in both the hospital waiting area and the wards.

The Hibs stars stayed on following the opening to meet and chat with children and parents, sign autographs and have photographs taken.

David Gray said: “I attended St. John’s Hospital some time ago with my daughter Ivy due to illness.  When I returned for the opening of the playroom I was immediately struck by the difference in the room.

“The playroom is now a light and bright space which is welcoming to children and their families.  I particularly like the games area and I know Ivy would love the interactive projector.  It’s fantastic that the Sick Kids Friends Foundation has been able to fund this improvement which will benefit so many children and their families.”

Jordon MacDonald, play assistant at St John’s Hospital, said: “We are delighted with our new play room – the artists have really done us proud with their space themed work.

“It was lovely to be able to invite people in to show them the space and the new play equipment will help make children feel more at ease while visiting the hospital. We would like to thank Hibernian FC and the Sick Kids Friends Foundation for making the refurb possible.”

Roslyn Neely, chief executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “The team at St John’s have worked so hard to bring the new play room to life and we are delighted to support such a worthy addition to the hospital.

“For children, visiting the hospital can often be a daunting experience however, with a new play room full of the latest in technology we hope visits to the hospital will be a more positive experience for them and their families.”

For more information on the Sick Kids Friends Foundation visit www.edinburghsickkids.org or visit us on Facebook at Edinburgh Sick Kids or Twitter @EdinSickKids.