Design Concept Approved for Children’s Wards at Northampton General Hospital

The design concepts for the refurbishment of a much needed children’s play area at Northampton General Hospital have now been approved. The project is jointly supported by the hospital Trust and Northamptonshire Health Charity through its Children’s Play Area appeal, with works due to begin in April.

Our Play Area Appeal is aiming to raise £275,000 to transform the children’s outdoor play area at Northampton General Hospital. This important project will create a safe, engaging, and therapeutic space for young patients and their families, helping to improve wellbeing and recovery during hospital stays.

The play area will be located next to the Paddington and Disney wards, where children of all ages are treated for a wide range of acute medical conditions, including cancer. The existing outdoor facilities are outdated and not fully accessible, highlighting the need for a modern, inclusive space.

The new design concept is based on a nature‑discovery theme, creating an inclusive outdoor environment inspired by animals and plants. Designed to offer a calming escape from the hospital setting, the space will encourage sensory exploration, social interaction and moments of joy. It will provide children with a place to play, relax and unwind while receiving treatment.

Proposed play area designs

Play areas in hospitals play a vital role in children’s wellbeing. More than just places to play, they are places to heal. Play is a fundamental part of childhood and is especially important for children undergoing hospital treatment. Research consistently shows that play helps children cope with hospital stays by reducing stress, boredom and anxiety, and can even help lessen the perception of pain. Hospital play spaces offer comfort, support recovery and help children express their emotions and navigate the challenges of a medical environment.

After being left paralysed and unable to speak by a rare brain infection at 14, Harry recovered following weeks of treatment and rehabilitation at Northampton General Hospital and, to thank staff and support other young patients, has since completed the Wolf Run, raising £2,310 for the Children’s Play Area Appeal.

Harry said: “When you’re in hospital, it can feel like forever. Having something fun to do makes such a big difference.”

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated or fundraised so far towards the Children’s Play Area Appeal, including Team Sebastian who made a remarkable donation in 2024 in loving memory of Sebastian Nunney.

In 2020, Sebastian was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare, aggressive and complex cancer that primarily affects young children. In November 2023, thousands of people across Northamptonshire wore orange and fundraised to help Sebastian access life‑saving treatment abroad. Sadly, Sebastian passed away at Northampton General Hospital in January 2024.

In his memory, his parents, Gregg and Lindsay Nunney, generously donated £60,000 to the Play Area Appeal, making a profound contribution that has helped drive the project forward.

Emma Fee, the Play Team Lead at NGH said: “We are so grateful to everyone who is supporting this appeal. Despite several unforeseen delays, we are nearly there. Works will start later this Spring and this new woodland themed space will bring some much-needed joy to those children being treated in NGH.”

The Play Area Appeal fundraising target is £275,000 and the Charity has raised £192,500 to date. To help make sure that poorly children in Northamptonshire have the best possible environment to play and recover, please visit nhcharity.co.uk/play to find out more about how to fundraise or donate to this appeal.