In just a few short weeks, Frere Hospital’s paediatric oncology unit will become home to a 230m² playland, established by the Devon Vergne Foundation (DVF), which is the biggest playland the foundation has established in the country.
At a cost of R500,000, Frere Hospital Devon’s Playland will include a scooter track, slides, artificial turf, fencing, seating and picnic areas, and a jungle gym.
Work on the project began in 2019 with refurbishment and decorating of the wards. This work is part of the DVF organisation’s mission to bring hope and support to families and children undergoing cancer treatment in the wake of the Vergne’s own experience with the passing of their son, Devon, in 2006 to Wilem’s tumour, which is a cancer of the kidneys.
Devon spent 14 months in and out of hospital, undergoing four operations, 31 sessions of chemo and 12 sessions of radiation. Prior to his diagnosis, Devon was an active boy who loved riding his bike, playing Playstation and eating Sunday braais.
All this autonomy and the boundless freedom to play is significantly diminished when a child is confined to hospital, and this impacts the psyche of the child and their families.
DVF board member Abel Iglasias said the organisation focused on improving the physical spaces of paediatric oncology wards to inject moments of positivity and levity into a dark and scary experience.
The foundation installed a similar Devon’s Playland at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, which has benefitted hundreds of children.
The foundation works with government hospitals and all projects are funded through donations.
Iglasias said: “These children need opportunities to play and to enjoy life. We do what we can to get their minds off of what they are facing.”
Frere head of paediatrics and child health Dr Kim Harper said that toys and an opportunity to play were invaluable for children at the hospital.
Eastern Cape department of health spokesperson Siyanda Manana said: “Children with cancer conditions tend to stay longer in our hospitals without their families. This may precipitate anxiety and even depression, so professionally designed play amenities go along way to mitigating this risk.”
The playland will open in July with a golf day to follow before the end of the year. Follow Devon Vergne Foundation on Facebook for more.
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