Surrey hospital launches Taskmaster inspired Hospital Club for children
The new Taskmaster Hospital club was launched when Alex Horne visited Frimley Park hospital
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has pioneered the launch of the Taskmaster Hospital Club, a novel initiative aimed at providing fun and creative challenges for children during their hospital stay.
This unique project, developed in partnership with Taskmaster Education, Avalon, and NHS England, draws inspiration from the popular Channel 4 TV show Taskmaster to engage young patients on paediatric wards with playful tasks.
The official launch took place last month at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, where Alex Horne, creator of Taskmaster, joined staff, patients, and young volunteers for the first-ever Taskmaster Hospital Club challenge.
The event began with a pre-recorded video featuring Alex, as around 12 children aged 9-16 participated in various tasks, including crafting jokes and drawing pictures without lifting pencils off the paper.
The challenges were scored, and participants received points, with the overall winner awarded a specially-designed Taskmaster certificate.
The response from both children and their families was overwhelmingly positive, with parents noting moments of joy and a welcome diversion from the hospital environment.
Katie Wilson, Interim Head of Nursing for Babies, Children and Young People at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the project's impact
“From the moment we first discussed bringing Taskmaster to our children’s wards, we knew it had the potential to be something truly special."
The Taskmaster Hospital Club utilises elements of the TV show to inspire and educate young patients. Health play specialists or nurses assume the role of the Taskmaster, supported by Alex Horne on screen, while patients participate in entertaining tasks suitable for the hospital setting.
Ellen Duke, National Deputy Director for Children and Young People’s Nursing at NHS England, explained the project's origins: "We started working with Taskmaster Education in the summer of last year to adapt their format that is delivered in schools to be suitable for children in hospital."
Following its success at Frimley Park Hospital, Taskmaster Hospital Club is set for nationwide implementation through NHS Futures, offering free resources to children’s wards across the country.