Mum pens book to help children cope with hospital

A Surrey author has written a book designed to help children cope with a stay in hospital.

Bex Grace wrote The Hospital Stay with Frimley Health with input from Frimley Park Hospital's paediatric team.

Bex and her two children were born at the hospital and she is a member of the Maternity Voices Frimley group.

A hospital spokesperson said the book offered "clear, age-appropriate communication and playful storytelling to reduce anxiety and empower children, while supporting parents and carers to guide their children through the experience".

Every illustration is based on real scenes from hospitals at the trust, where 25% of all patients are children.

James Clarke, the trust's chief strategy officer at Frimley Heath NHS Foundation Trust, said: "When I visited the hospital with my own four-year-old, I saw first-hand how many questions young children have and how important it is to help them feel at ease.

"This book is a beautiful example of how we can make our ambitions real for children and families, helping them understand what great care looks like.

"Bex's story is one of giving back, she's a local author, a parent, and a true partner in our mission to make hospital care better for everyone."

The Hospital Stay with Frimley Health is available now on the Frimley Health Charity website, which will receive all profits from book sales.

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