Pupils take favourite books to hospital

Pupils shared the joy of reading with patients at Lincoln County Hospital in celebration of World Book Day last week.

Youngsters from Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School took a selection of their favourite books and read to elderly patients at the hospital.

Teacher Janis Edward said: “The visit has helped our students build empathy and care towards the elderly. It is beautiful to see the smiles they have brought to the faces of the patients.”

Jodie-Leigh Page, Ward Manager at Lancaster Ward, Lincoln County Hospital, added: “It has brought a sense of familiarisation to our patients on the ward.  Many do not have contact with their grandchildren as often as they would like so they really appreciated this visit and would love the children to visit again.”

A spokesperson for United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the event had been a ‘wonderful success, sparking conversation, lots of giggles and treasured moments between the young readers and patients’ across hospitals in Lincoln, Grantham and Boston.

The trust aims to cement the relationship with schools by inviting choirs to sing to patients over the summer.

Ben Petts, manager of event organiser United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, added: “World Book Day is a celebration of reading, not just to ourselves but to all ages. It is about inspiring children and adults to enjoy reading for fun and to promote literacy. Inviting students into our hospitals helps build interaction between the generations and brightens the day for our patients.”

Picture: Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School.