Children with chronic health conditions can spend a lot of time in hospital, but in WA a new program is trying to change that by giving them a dose of surf, sun, and fresh air.

The program has been put in place permanently after a pilot for children with cystic fibrosis found surfing had positive outcomes for patients.

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, burn injuries, arthritis, and post-sarcoma injuries can take part in the new program.

Ruby has undergone more than 20 surgeries since the age of four when she was seriously burnt after trying to get something out of the microwave.

The surf lessons have acted as a form of physical therapy, which means she does not have to spend so much time in hospital.

“Each time … I do the treatment, it gets better,” she said.

Key points:

• Children with chronic conditions can learn to surf through a new program at the Perth Children’s Hospital
• The surf sessions are personalised to cater to participants’ needs
• For Ruby Taylor, nine, the sessions aid her recovery from serious burns

Source
ABC News