THE Pyjama Fairies have been spreading a little magic to children having surgery at the Orthopaedic Hospital.

Charity, Pyjama Fairies – which is run by volunteers across the country – has donated handmade surgical gowns to the hospital, to help minimise discomfort for children when medical intervention is necessary, meaning they can remain fully dressed.

The fairies sew pyjamas and surgical gowns for babies and children up to 16 years old in a wide range of sizes, fabrics, colours and patterns.

Rachel Harris, paediatric recovery nurse, who was the driving force behind the donation, said the gowns helped children feel more at home.

“Having an operation can be a really scary and anxious time for a child," said Rachel. "So allowing them to pick their own gown with a pattern or colour they like will make such a difference.

“The bright colours and patterns really make them seem less ‘hospitalised’ and more like something they would wear when they’re at home.

“Any stay in hospital can be stressful for families and the Pyjama Fairies work so hard to make the experience feel less alien for the children.”

And Suzanne Marsden, Alice Ward and Children’s Outpatients manager, thanked the fairies for donating the gowns which are 'making a real difference'.

“Both the children and their parents are really enjoying picking their gown when they’re admitted and it’s making a real difference to their experience while in hospital," she said.

“As they’re made out of 100 per cent cotton and have no metal, they are safe to wear during scans and x-rays, and they are designed with ties and poppers on the shoulders so the child can be changed or undressed with minimal disturbance.

“Thank you to Rachel for getting this up and running, and also to the Pyjama Fairies for their very generous donation.”