Hi-tech 'toys' for children's wards

The Daniel Delicata Association has obtained the go-ahead from St Luke's Hospital to continue its refurbishment of the Disneyland and Fairyland wards for children.

Daniel Delicata, who had set up the association in memory of his son Daniel who died young said there will be two televisions, two PlayStations and two DVD players in each four-bedded room and one television, one PlayStation and one DVD player in each single room at both wards.

The association also intends to provide several computers and an internet service to these wards so that the children spending lengthy periods of time there can easily communicate with their families and friends. Eventually, the association intends to have an internet link with some of the children's schools in order to be able to transmit lessons to them. This idea is being discussed with hospital authorities.

A satellite system will soon be installed so that the children would be able to watch their favourite television programmes.

The association also has agreed to repaint the entire ward with lively colours.

The association has already done much to upgrade the wards, such as by installing air-conditioners and brightening up the play area, besides upgrading the children's ward in Gozo's general hospital.