Things to do in hospital
If you are an inpatient in the oncology wards at our hospitals, you might be having tests, surgery or starting chemotherapy.
Staying in the hospital can be an unsettling experience and wards are sometimes noisy places. Activities start early and there are always lights, trolleys, staff and people coming and going. That can be a good thing too, as you will quickly meet other patients and friendly staff.
When you are feeling well enough, there's quite a lot to do in hospital. You can ask the staff on the ward for more information about where the activities are located and opening hours.
Things to do at both hospitals
Starlight Express Room
The Starlight Express Room is a doctor and nurse-free zone where kids and teens can come for some fun, including the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities.
Kids who are too sick to leave their beds can join in the fun via the daily Captain Starlight shows that are broadcast to their bedside TVs.
Livewire
By day, Livewire delivers activities on the wards. At night, the Starlight Express Room becomes a teen hangout. A chill out zone where you can be social, connect with others, chat with the Livewire staff or take part in a fun workshop.
Delta dogs
Delta Dogs visit the Hospital to bring some joy to kids and teens and to help remind them of their pets they are missing at home.
The Delta Dogs comfort and inspire many patients in hospital and their visits are a highlight for patients and families.
Clown doctors
While in hospital you might get a visit from a Clown Doctor! Clown Doctors visit the wards bringing a little fun and silliness to brighten up your day.
Things to do at The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Art
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has so many beautiful artworks on display that it is actually a registered Art Gallery!
Lots of the artworks you will see have been done by children or young people. Explore and take the sculpture walk.
Visit the book bunker
The Book Bunker is a library by Scholastic Australia for kids and young people in hospital. You can either come and visit the library or volunteer librarians will come to the ward with books to suit all ages.
They even have books in other languages!
Playgrounds and gardens
Head outside from the hospital foyer ramp and spend time at the George Gregan Foundation all-access playground.
Explore:
- the undercover area with giant chess and checkers games, bring your friends or family down and play a game
- follow the labyrinth at the end of the garden, it only has one path and it is very calming
- visit the Chinese Gardens, where you will see a waterfall and fish.
Things to do at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick
The Fairy Garden by Fairy Sparkle
Find gnomes, fairies, costumes to dress up in and other magical things in Fairy Garden.
Opening hours
- 9- 6pm
Location
- enter the Fairy Garden via level 1. You can also enter through the Outpatients department between 9am and 4.30pm.
If you would like Fairy Sparkle to visit you at your bedside, ask your Nursing Unit Manager.
Outdoor playground
The George Gregan Playground is a fun and colourful outdoor playground you can visit even if you are in a wheelchair.
Opening hours
- 8:30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
- 9am - 2pm on Saturday
- 3pm - 6pm on Sunday.
Location
- enter via the Outpatients department during the week or ask your nurse to call a volunteer on the weekend. A parent or carer must supervise at all times.
Happy Garden
Located on level 1, between C1North and ICU, the Happy Garden comes complete with an enchanting gazebo, over-sized toadstools, fairy lights and a little bit of magic.
The terrace has been designed to provide easy access for all and is wheelchair and bed-friendly.
The Happy Garden has been generously donated by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation together with Fairy Sparkle.