Hospital school hub gives children 'normality'

A teacher has said specialised school facilities in hospital stop children from feeling like patients and brings them "a bit of normality".

Patients and families at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children can receive optional schooling while they are recovering - providing "a bit of normality" in a "foreign environment".

Arne, aged six, has been at the hospital with her family since March due to a serious heart condition but has been able to enjoy lessons there along with her sister Grante, aged 11.

Hospital teacher Ben Summers said "it's an absolute privilege" to work in a role that brings "a hopefulness to the children".

About 17 teachers work with primary and secondary school patients at the hospital.

All patients get at least an hour a day of education if they choose to and are well enough, and families or siblings who are with patients also have access to the specialised education facilities.

Arne, who has so far had three major heart operations, has been using the hospital's school facilities with her sister.

"Now that she's getting better we can both go down here and spend some time together," Grante said.

"Now that Arne is doing better, we're better in ourselves as well. We're really excited to get home soon."

Arne said it has been great to "have a friend to play with" during her school time.

Summers said it has been an "absolute privilege" to work as a hospital teacher.

"There's a normality to school which I think really brings a hope to the children," he said.

"You can't spend that amount of time with someone without making a real personal connection with them - so actually there is a very big emotional load which comes with the job - but its all very much worth it in end because of the difference you make.

"I've dealt with a few moments where it's not good news [for the patient] and that's really tough."

Debbie said the education facility at the hospital has been "massive" for her son Jenson, who has brain cancer that has spread to his spine.

"He can't swallow, he can't speak but he has come on so much from the classes," she said. "He is making noises now.

"My teenager is home educated and they've been amazing with her too. It's been brilliant."

Director of nursing Beth Shirt said the hospital has a huge responsibility "to make people feel safe".

"We are really privileged to be the tertiary children's hospital in the south west and have a huge responsibility," she said.

"It's just really key that we get things right for everyone, in those scary unfamiliar times."

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