Almost 200 families have been helped by an app designed to help children feel better prepared for their surgery and treatment at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The Little Journey app, funded through Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, Well Wishers, was launched in August last year.

It provides engaging, interactive and age-appropriate content to help calm any nervousness children may have about coming into hospital and to help them, their parents, and carers better understand what will happen during their stay.

Mum Shehla Siddiqui said she would highly recommend the app, as it was helpful in preparing her son, Reyyan, 7, for his operation.

She said: “I think it is really good and helpful. I found it really easy to use. I am new to the area, and it is only the second time I have come to the hospital so seeing on the app about where to go and what the department looked like was great.

“It shows how to go on to the ward and what you need to bring.

“When I showed my son the app it helped prepare him for surgery as he saw what was going to happen. It made it less scary for him and easier for me to explain to him.

Emma Jones also found the app useful for preparing her five-year-old daughter Connie Fox for dental surgery.

She said: “We had a look at the Little Journey app before we came into hospital. Connie had a look at the touring video and some of the games on offer. She also looked at some of the relaxing features which were great.

“I think it is really good, Connie watched the whole video and was asking questions. It was really helpful in putting our mind at ease. When she got here she recognised the characters and remembered what she saw on the touring video.

“We have never been to the Manor before so I didn’t know what to expect. The app guided us all through.

“It put us both a lot more at ease.”

Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice – Experience, at Walsall Healthcare, said: “A year on, Little Journey continues to support children, young people and their families through what can be a daunting experience. By helping them understand what to expect simply and engagingly, it’s made a real difference in easing worries and building confidence ahead of hospital visits.”

The app is free to download from Google or Apple stores.