News: a child-sized sharing website!

Children are increasingly looking for information on their own (digitally). In order to ensure that children get the right information to read or hear, the non-profit association Maria Middelares developed a website on a child's scale: kids.mariamiddelares.be.

The child-friendly theme of'forest animals' is the thread running through the website. The raccoon acts as the main character and guides children to the right information. So there is plenty of news for both children who come for consultations and those who are admitted to hospital.

The website provides correct info about (day) admissions, examinations and what is involved in them in a simple way and on children's size. This allows our young patients to come to our hospital well prepared and with peace of mind."

Head nurse Aurélie Sprengers

On the website, for example, children can take a look at the examination room. "By clicking on the notes in the room, they get additional info about the examinations the doctor or nurse perform there," adds Dr Jelle Degraeuwe, head of the paediatrics department at AZ Middelares. Children who have planned an admission can also get to know the ward team or see their room and the ward's play area. They also read there what to bring in their valise. "The intention is that (young) children who need some preparation for their visit to our hospital can go through the website together with a parent. Children who can read can, of course, do this on their own. On the website, extra simple language was used for this purpose," Dr Degraeuwe further explains, "and photos visually enhance the texts."

Gradually, the hospital is further developing the website with videos and interactive games. In cooperation with colleagues at AZ Sint-Vincentius Deinze, the website will be supplemented in the coming months with practical information there.

Curious?

Take a look at our children's website via the button below.