CHILDREN in hospital can be transported into space and even go on safari with a new virtual reality headset.

State-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) therapy equipment, costing £6,000, has been funded by the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

It is now helping young people on the Sarum Children’s Ward at Salisbury Hospital to feel calmer and make their time in hospital more fun.

The headset has an array of virtual reality experiences creating life-like three dimensional worlds for children to explore including expeditions into space, animal and dinosaur safaris and relaxing trips to the beach, as well as games.

Seven-year-old Khloe Mann, from Durrington, was able to get up close to her favourite animals during an African safari thanks to the specialist VR kit when she was on the children’s ward at the end of last year.

“The VR headset was really good. There were lots of different kinds of animals to see,” she said. “It was really exciting; my favourite animals were the lions. It made me feel calm and relaxed.”

Youngster Khloe Mann has also been enjoying the new technology. Picture: Spencer Mulholland

Her dad, Ryan, added: “It’s nice to break up their time up and it definitely makes children’s stays in hospital easier.”

Arya Smith, nine, from Wilton, tried out the games on the VR headset when she was in hospital and said the games were “cool”.

“It’s fun playing the games,” she added.

Her mum, Lorna, said: “It’s great to have something like this, which can be taken to their bedside.

“It gives them something to keep their minds busy while they are in hospital. Thank you very much to all the Stars Appeal supporters for making Arya’s stay more pleasant.”

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The specialist therapy equipment is also a great distraction for children when they are being treated and having procedures like blood tests.

Sarum Ward play specialist, Natasha Long, said: “The virtual reality therapy kit has made such a massive difference to children on Sarum Ward.

“It is a brilliant distraction for the children especially when they are being treated and having procedures like blood tests which, in some instances, we would have struggled to get without the therapy headset.

“It has a calming effect and immerses the children into a different world. Thank you to Stars Appeal supporters for giving us the opportunity to make the children’s time in hospital less scary and more fun and enjoyable.”

Find out more about projects supporting Sarum Children’s Ward at starsappeal.org/our-work/sarum-childrens-ward.