Rock star helps hospital write children's book

AC/DC star Brian Johnson has recorded an audio version of the book

A children's hospital has enlisted the help of a rock star to produce a book to help young patients prepare for their visit.

The Occupational Therapy Team at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle hoped Bobby's Big Day Out would be particularly useful for children living with sensory differences.

Tyneside-born Brian Johnson, singer with the rock band AC/DC, has voiced an audio version for children unable to read it themselves.

The book has been welcomed by patients and their parents.

Faith and her Mum have been coming to the hospital for many years

Staff said the aim of the book was to take the fear out of a hospital visit by describing what the children might see and experience there.

It is written from the point of view of a dog called Bobby, the hospital's occupational therapy mascot.

Sharmaine Lawson-Allen, whose daughter Faith is a regular patient, said: "To be able to show the children what they're going to do and where they're going to go is so important.

"It's much easier if we can refer to the book and see what Bobby did if she's got any worries."

Regular patient Joshua made suggestions on how to improve the book

Joshua has been visiting the hospital for four years and helped to produce the book by giving feedback.

"What I often struggle with is when I have to go into an unfamiliar place," he said.

"It makes it a lot better knowing what's going to happen and how to deal with it," he added.

Cheryl Gascoigne, an occupational therapist, says if children know what to expect they can have a much better experience

Occupational therapist Cheryl Gascoigne said staff were looking out for a way to "reach out to children".

She said: "Coming to hospital is a much more pleasant experience if you know what to expect.

"I think the book is really going to help."

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