The storybook showed real photos of the monkey in lots of different places all around the hospital – with the machines and equipment that Josephine would see, and the doctors and nurses. When Josephine went into hospital for her operation, she already knew what to expect and she didn’t find it scary at all. And the storybook helped her mummy and daddy too by giving them a way to communicate with her – pointing at the machines in the photos that she would see around her, and making funny noises like the sounds she would hear in the hospital.
The doctors and nurses were surprised by how quickly Josephine recovered from her major operation, and wondered whether it was due to her being so relaxed about her stay in hospital.They really loved the storybook and wanted one they could use to help other children like Josephine, so Helen set to work to create more storybooks. Since then, our series of tailor-made photographic storybooks, starring ‘yours truly’ as the patient, have helped lots of children and supported mums, dads and families during difficult times – at home, in schools and hospitals.
There are extensive resources for NHS professionals to use - Why not try out the feedback forms, perfect for children to explain their experiences, or just add a bit of colour to the walls with some of our fun posters? There’s something for everyone. You can find them all here http://bit.ly/1LMkkwR
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