Copyright theleader
ORIHUELA 4 November – The “Maleta Viajera” (Travelling Suitcase) initiative was unveiled today at Vega Baja University Hospital, offering young patients a new space for reading and play during their hospital stay. The presentation was attended by the Councillor for Family Affairs, Mª Carmen Portugal, hospital manager Dr. Mario Medina Ruiz, and healthcare staff from the Paediatrics and Child Mental Health units — the main beneficiaries of the project. Developed in partnership with the Fernando de Loazes Public Library, the project provides children and medical staff with a rotating collection of books and games suited to different ages and needs. The selection includes children’s classics such as Pinocchio, The Ugly Duckling, Goldilocks, and Jack the Giant Killer, alongside popular board games like Tangram, Rummy Classic, Lince, and Dobble. “The goal is to accompany children and their families during a difficult time,” said Councillor Portugal. “We want their hospital stay to feel a little more welcoming, a little more like home — reconnecting them with familiar routines like reading and play.” Hospital manager Dr. Medina Ruiz praised the project for promoting traditional play and reading in an increasingly digital world. “It’s something our young patients will really appreciate,” he noted. “And I hope this isn’t a one-off initiative, but one that continues over time.” The library and the Family Department will handle the delivery and rotation of materials between the hospital and the library, ensuring a fresh and varied supply for children on the wards. Portugal concluded that “Maleta Viajera” represents “a shared commitment between the City Council, the hospital, and the library to support families — especially in moments when they need it most.”
