Bolgatanga, June 26, 2026 – The Upper East Regional Hospital has taken a significant step towards improving child-centred healthcare with the establishment of a modern children’s playroom at its Paediatric Ward, creating a nurturing environment that combines healing, education, and emotional support for hospitalized children.
The colourful and well-equipped facility, designed and furnished by Eastwood Anaba Ministries (EAM), provides young patients with access to educational materials, toys, books, and recreational resources aimed at promoting emotional well-being, reducing the trauma of hospitalization, and ensuring continuity in learning during their stay.
The initiative has been widely applauded by parents, caregivers, health professionals, and members of the public, who describe it as a remarkable innovation in paediatric healthcare delivery within the Upper East Region.
The project was spearheaded by Mr. Richard Addah, a neonatal nurse at the Upper East Regional Hospital, who mobilized resources and led fundraising efforts to bring the vision to life.
According to Mr. Addah, creating a child-friendly environment is an essential component of holistic healthcare.
“I believe that introducing play into a hospital environment is like bringing a piece of home to the patients. Healing is a natural event, and happy children heal naturally,” he said.
Recognizing the importance of education in child development, the Bolgatanga Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) partnered with the hospital by assigning Madam Georgina Anafo, a teacher from Sumbrungu Kindergarten School, to conduct learning sessions with the children twice every week.
Madam Anafo described the initiative as highly impactful, noting that it enables children to continue learning despite being admitted to the hospital.
“Through this programme, I have been able to assess the children’s academic strengths and weaknesses, particularly in sound identification and Jolly Phonics. It allows me to identify learning gaps and provide tailored advice to parents so their children do not fall behind academically,” she explained.
She commended the hospital’s management for embracing the initiative and encouraged other district hospitals across the Upper East Region to establish similar playrooms for children who are medically stable enough to participate.
Her observations were supported by Madam Faustina Lardi Bugre, a supervisor at the Bolgatanga Municipal Education Directorate, who monitored one of the learning sessions.
“As you can see, the children are thrilled. This is truly school away from school,” Madam Bugre remarked.
“Our prayer is that they recover quickly and reunite with their classmates.”
Healthcare professionals at the hospital say the playroom has become an important therapeutic tool in supporting children’s recovery.
According to Madam Rita Noah, a Paediatric Nurse Specialist at the ward, the facility serves as an effective form of diversionary therapy by helping children cope with the emotional stress associated with hospitalization.
“The playroom diverts their minds from the crying and painful procedures associated with hospital care,” she explained.
“When they are in this room, they often forget they are even in a hospital. Even on days when no formal play activities are scheduled, children eagerly wait at the door for it to open.”
She further noted that a nurse is always present to supervise activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of every child using the facility.
Beyond benefiting the children, Madam Noah observed that the initiative has also provided much-needed relief for parents and caregivers.
“Mothers spend day and night caring for their sick children. The playroom gives them a safe environment where their children can play while they take a short break to rest and regain their strength,” she said.
One of the parents, Madam Paulina Ako-Ese, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative.
“I am so happy to see the children learning and playing at the same time. At one point, I completely forgot I was in a hospital. I am deeply grateful to the hospital management,” she said.
While celebrating the success of the initiative, the Medical Director of the Upper East Regional Hospital, Dr. Joseph Kojo Tambil, acknowledged the invaluable support of Eastwood Anaba Ministries in making the project a reality.
He, however, appealed to non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies, philanthropists, child-focused institutions, and members of the public to support the project with additional educational and recreational resources.
Specifically, Dr. Tambil appealed for the donation of an electronic display screen and more learning and play materials to further enrich the children’s experience and maximize the therapeutic benefits of the playroom.
The establishment of the children’s playroom reflects the Upper East Regional Hospital’s unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred healthcare that addresses not only the physical needs of children but also their emotional, psychological, and educational well-being.
The initiative stands as a shining example of how collaboration between healthcare institutions, faith-based organizations, educators, and the wider community can transform hospital care into an experience that promotes healing, restores hope, and safeguards the future of every child.
Source: MyBlueWavesonlin.com| Public Relations Unit, Upper East Regional Hospital| Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
