On the run up to Harry Potter’s birthday on the 31st of July the Royal Hospital for Sick Children was transformed into The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It wasn’t magic that caused the metamorphosis, it was the amazing effort, talent and teamwork of the staff and children which made it all come together!
Each ward’s name changed to reflect their magical purpose with ‘Diagnostic Alley’, ‘Haemogoblyn’ and ‘Surgical Snape’ to name a few. Beautiful installations were created to match including huge floating Harry Potter glasses and dragons swooping down from the ceiling. There were always more details to be discovered and enjoyed such as opportunities to free Dobby by decorating a sock.
Throughout the week the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s (ECHC) Arts Programme ran lots of exciting Harry Potter themed activities. Artists used projectors to create immersive environments for flying cars and children and families were invited to take part in classic Hogwarts classes such as Transfiguration class using 3D printing pens. Potter super-fans were also taken on a virtual Potter Trail and learned all the secrets behind the creation of the books.
ECHC also gave out awards to each ward to highlight the team’s talent. ‘Best Name’ went to ‘HuffnCough’, and the ward which split their space into Hogwarts and Diagon Alley won ‘Best Narrative’ by naming each bed space after a different magical shop.
Feedback from staff has been very positive ‘[The week] has been amazing at pulling everyone together and making the hospital look great’ and ‘It has created such a positive buzz around the hospital’.
Harry’s birthday was aptly celebrated with a Magic Show with ECHC’s resident magician, Tricky Ricky.
ECHC would like to thank the staff and children who worked so hard to make the hospital a truly magical place!
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