HOSPITAL is the last place a child wants to be, but the expansion of the world’s first health literacy program across Queensland hospitals aims to make the stay a little easier.
Juiced TV has received a $2 million funding injection for all 16 of the State’s hospitals and varied health services to run the program built on content that is “made by kids for kids” starring young patients who share their hospital journey.
The State Government’s commitment over the next four years will also expand Juiced TV’s reach across Queensland to deliver tailored content that meets the unique needs of regional and remote health services.
Accessed through the Juiced app, the educational resources bring together entertainment and education in an interactive way to improve the hospital journey for kids and families.
The health literacy library will contain videos relevant to each region such as “meet your healthcare team”, helping to put a friendly face to doctors they might meet, to content on how to choose healthy foods.
Each video is presented by a Queensland child, with hospitals able to customise their video playlists to be relevant to their region and patients.
Over the past nine years, more than 5500 patients and families have been part of Juiced TV, which has broadcast more than 1000 episodes and 70,000 hours of content to bedsides via the patient entertainment system and mobile app.
“We know that being in hospital, especially for long periods of time, can be daunting, confusing, and not a very fun experience for kids,” said Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Women, Shannon Fentiman.
Children’s Health Queensland chief executive Frank Tracey said that after nine years of hosting the content he was excited for this next step for Juiced.
“Children’s Health Queensland is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people through world-class care, and our strong partnerships help us do that,” he said.
