Staff sacrifice lunch break to be water balloon target for young physio patient
Paediatric staff gave up their lunch break to be a water balloon target for a five-year-old physiotherapy patient.
Little Ellen Moore is having rehabilitation sessions at Basildon University Hospital following a bone marrow transplant but the hot weather is making it difficult to exercise.
To give her a fun incentive, seven members of staff gave up their lunch break to be targets in a special water balloon exercise designed to make Ellen build her strength with squats.
Lisa Jones, paediatric physiotherapist, came up with the innovative idea. She said: “I wanted to do something summer-inspired and fun, and what all other kids are doing on their summer holidays.
“She had to sit and stand from her chair without using her hands and each time she managed it she could pick a name from the hat and throw a water balloon at that person. She absolutely loved it and was giggling her head off – especially throwing them at her dad.
“It was a great way of distracting her and I want to thank Ellen’s parents and all my colleagues for their help and support.”
Dad Robert Moore, from Laindon, added: “It was a great idea. The care Ellen has received has been amazing so I trust Lisa and the team to help her and keep her entertained.”
