Children in hospital often have limited opportunities to play and socialise with others, leading to feelings of boredom, isolation and loneliness. This negatively impacts on children’s wellbeing and overall hospital experience. It can also lead to children being disruptive and less compliant with medical procedures. Some of these children cannot leave their hospital bed, with technology being their main distraction.

Every year, the team at Queensland Children’s Hospital treat more than 40,000 children from across Queensland and into northern New South Wales. On any given day, they can treat more than 200 children in the emergency department, see about 1,000 children at outpatient appointments and care for more than 200 children as inpatients.

Digital devices are used for many reasons throughout hospital – from kids playing games on iPads, to being used for culturally and linguistically diverse patients and Google translator to chat with their health professionals.

The Digital Loans program offered by Children’s Hospital Foundation provides an alternate method of entertainment and distraction.  It is particularly focused on supporting patients unable to leave their bed/room, and outside business hours when thier regular support programs, like Kidzone playroom, bedside play etc are closed.

There is a high demand for digital loans and with a limited number of devices (e.g currently there are only 17 iPads available) providing support to all families who need it can be challenging.

How you can help!

• Donate much needed funds – using the donation form above.

• Donate 40 iPads

• Donate tech assets – items listed below are always needed:

  • Nintendo Switch Games  – preference for Mario Kart, Pokemon, Minecraft, FIFA, NBA, MX vs ATV, Sonic
  • PlayStation 5 Games (rated G or PG)
  • 32 inch TV and a stand on wheels
  • iPads
  • Consider donating digital support

• Donate your time!

  If you and/or your team would like to donate your time to support the Foundation this Christmas, you can sign up for a shift at our gift wrap station at Indropoilly Shopping Centre.  You can help wrap presents with all funds raised supporting research, equipment and on the ground services, such as welfare, food and clothing.

Women in Digital believe that unless there are more visible role models in digital and technology, we won’t change the status quo. By shining a light on industry leaders, we shine a light on the career pathways and possibilities that digital and technology provides to women.